Module Summary

Throughout these professional practice standards, our whakataukī “Whāia te iti kahurangi” serves as our compass. The taonga we pursue is excellence in every aspect of financial mentoring—from client-centred practice and cultural responsiveness to professional competence, practice delivery, advocacy, and innovation. The lofty mountain represents the highest standards of professional practice, and we commit to never settling for less.

Financial mentors provide holistic, client-centred support, considering clients’ financial, social, cultural, and emotional circumstances. They use strengths-based approaches to empower clients, set realistic goals, and build financial capability. Mentors practise cultural responsiveness and inclusiveness, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, respecting diverse money practices, and creating safe, equitable spaces.

Professional competence is maintained through formal training, supervised experience, continuing professional development, and reflective practice, ensuring ethical, effective, and safe support. Mentors deliver high-quality, accessible services, collaborating with clients, whānau, and other professionals, and making referrals when needed.

Advocacy helps clients access fair treatment and make informed decisions, while systemic advocacy addresses structural barriers and promotes equitable policies. Community development strengthens collective financial capability and resilience. Mentors embrace innovation, responsive practice, and evidence-based approaches to meet evolving client and community needs.

Overall, financial mentoring integrates ethical, client-focused, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed practice with advocacy, collaboration, and continuous learning to support sustainable financial wellbeing for individuals, whānau, and communities.

Reflection

Our whakataukī for this module is:

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei

Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain