April Newsletter
From Chris Clarke, CEO,
LEADING FROM THE SECOND CHAIR
Typically organisational attention and resources are focused on the CEO – the ‘lead
actor’ on the stage. Less attention is directed towards second chair leaders – those
not on ‘the front stage’ but in the supporting cast - managing teams to deliver on the
organisation’s vision and strategy. It requires a rare degree of patience and humility
to lead well from the second chair. And it’s not easy. At times you have to curb your
own natural style to support the CEO, or suspend your own misgivings about a
decision or process for the sake of the organisation. At times you are the CEO’s
confidante, and at other times the confidential critic, knowing your team are looking
to you to stand up for them or the mission. Second chair leaders are invariably
called upon to manage the transition between CEOs and sometimes the next CEO is
chosen from the second chair. The role calls for emotional intelligence, adaptability
and strategic nous.
For some, leading from the second chair comes naturally, their sense of vocation is
satisfied in knowing they are supporting the organisation and its people to flourish.
They epitomise the servant leader. Others see the second chair as a step towards
the day when they will assume overall organisational leadership.
Whatever the motivation, high performing ‘second chairs’ are critical to the success
of the organisation, its sustainability and continuity, but often their development
needs and the challenges they face go unnoticed.
Thus, the focus of this year’s Wilberforce mentoring programme is on second chair
leaders. You are the ones with ‘deputy’, ‘assistant’, ‘manager’ in your title. You
probably sit in the senior leadership team. In partnership with the Mentoring
Foundation we have designed a mentoring programme with your needs in mind.
This year’s mentors are being chosen for their understanding of second chair
dynamics. For some of you the mentoring is probably focused on how you lead
from the second chair. For others, you may want to explore what competencies and
character you need to develop in order to assume the senior role in an organisation.
Whatever the motivation, please get in touch with Melanie Grace at melanie@wilberforce.org.nz if you are interested in either being mentored or serving as a mentor. See further information about the programme below.
Second chair leadership is also an aspect of board member roles. We are currently
designing two governance programmes for board directors (introductory programme
and advanced programme), which will launch later this year. These programmes will
complement existing programmes, namely the Christian Women in Governance Network facilitated by Charlotte Cummings and Māori and Pasifika governance facilitated by Jade Hohaia. If you're interested in either of these programmes please contact Charlotte and Jade by clicking the buttons below.
Chris Clarke
Chief Executive
Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders:
Mentoring Programme 2025
Emerging leaders are the future of Christian not-for-profit organisations and the good work they do. The mission of the Wilberforce Foundation is to develop, equip, and encourage these leaders. With that in mind, we are excited to announce our Mentoring Programme for 2025! It is focused on supporting second-tier leaders; those up-and-coming individuals in your organisation who are ready to take the next step in their journey.
Why focus on second-tier leaders?
These emerging leaders are critical to the ongoing success and sustainability of your organisation. They may be poised to step into more significant roles but could benefit from mentorship and guidance as they prepare for greater responsibility. This programme is designed to help them build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to not only continue the work but to innovate and improve it.
How the programme works
The Mentoring Programme will run from April to September 2025. We invite CEOs and Board chairs to nominate a promising leader from your organisation who would benefit from the programme. Each participant will be paired with a carefully selected mentor and will connect regularly throughout the six-month programme. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, both mentors and mentees will have access to training and support, as well as opportunities to network with other participants.
Key benefits of mentoring
Leadership development: Participants will gain valuable insights into leadership and learn from those who have walked the path before them.
Confidence building: Regular guidance will help emerging leaders tackle challenges with greater confidence.
Networking: This is a chance for younger leaders to build relationships with others in the sector, expanding their professional network.
Personal and spiritual growth: Mentoring encourages not only leadership development but also growth in faith and character, which are essential for effective, values-driven leadership.
Nominate a future leader: If you know a young leader in your organisation who could benefit from this programme, we encourage you to nominate them by either emailing their details to melanie@wilberforce.org.nz or forwarding them this email and encouraging them to apply.
We are looking for mentors and people to be mentored (mentees) for the 2025 programme. If you’d like to be involved, please register your interest by clicking the appropriate link below:
Lunch and Learn: Matariki - ideas and resources for your organisation
Nau mai! Come and listen to Capt. Hana Seddon as she shares some helpful ideas and resources for Matariki from The Salvation Army, which other organisations could implement also.
Hosted by Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka
Date: Friday 20th May from 12pm - 1pm
The use of AI in Fundraising
Our game-changing webinar on AI for fundraisers and charity leaders, featuring expert Sean Triner from Moceanic, is now available to watch. We’ve cut through the hype to show you exactly how AI can save you time, improve donor engagement, and help you raise more money.
Key points covered in this webinar:
- AI for Meeting Efficiency – The quickest way to free up more time for fundraising.
- Personalised Donor Communications – Make every donor feel like your #1 priority.
- Major Gifts & Bequests – Use AI to refine your asks and maximise donations.
- The Right AI for the Right Job – Learn which tools to use and how to keep up with the best.
- Free Ethical AI Guide – Get a reference guide on AI ethics, privacy, and data protection, plus a draft AI use policy for your board and management.
- Copilot training recommended by Sean with Kelly at 365 Training Hub - the Copilot expert.
This isn’t just theory—Sean demonstrates practical, ready-to-use AI tools that can revolutionise your workload immediately.
Watch the webinar now and access additional resources to help you get started!
Charity Changes: IRD consultation proposal
Many of us are following the IRD consultation on proposed tax changes for charities with great interest.
I want to especially acknowledge the work of Steven Moe, Craig Fisher, Jenny Gill, John Watson and Juliet Chevalier Watts for championing the contribution charities bring to Aotearoa/ New Zealand.
Whilst the changes are unlikely to impact the Wilberforce community of charities, the risk as Steven Moe and others have pointed out, is the slippery slope - once some charitable activities become taxable, it opens the door for future ‘reforms.’ A key lesson is we need to get better at telling our stories of the positive contribution charities bring to society. Interestingly the Minister of Finance was asking for such stories as part of the consultation.
Self-promotion does not always sit well in our sector, where we prefer our quiet work to be our story. Nonetheless, we operate with a social licence and it is legitimate for others to ask what societal benefit we collectively bring.
We have an exceptional story to tell - we are going to need to get better at telling it.
You can read more about the proposed tax changes in these recent articles at RNZ.
THREE FORTY ONE
Don’t miss your last opportunity to attend THREE FORTY ONE this weekend!
Met with a standing ovation, this climate musical has been described by audiences as,
'Stunning', 'Captivating', and 'An emotional roller coaster'.
As one attendee put it:
‘This powerful production, with its standout cast, incredible music, and thought-provoking story, shines a light on the climate crisis through the eyes of those most affected. From moments of laughter to deeply emotional scenes, this show is a must-see!’
With a bridal party arriving at a Pacific island resort, this show features a talented PI and Palagi cast, and invites us to consider how we love our Pacific neighbours in light of the existential climate threat they face. THREE FORTY ONE is a Toitoi Collective production, a faith-based, non-profit theatre group.
Two final performances: 7pm, Fri 4th April and Sat 5th April, Eastgate Christian Centre, Pakuranga, Auckland.
Book through iTicket:
In this section of our newsletter, we invite a leader within our network or team to share what they've been reading and/or listening to lately.
This month, Wilberforce board member Graham Burt shares some thought-provoking reads that have shifted his perspective, along with insightful YouTube interviews that spark valuable debate. It’s a list designed to challenge, inspire, and keep you engaged—take a look!
About Graham Burt
Graham is the visionary behind Festival One, an annual Christian arts festival, serving as its Founder and Executive Director. He also leads as the President of Laidlaw College Inc and chairs the Laidlaw College Foundation. As the co-author, creative director, and presenter of The Long Story Short evangelism video series, he plays a key role in its development. Additionally, Graham has been actively engaged in the governance of the Wilberforce Foundation since 2007
See what Graham has to recommend below..
Book Recommendation:
📖 Jerusalem – The Biography | Simon Sebag Montefiore
I'm enjoying reading this as a counterpoint to my own view of Jerusalem formed by my Church upbringing, 1970s end times teaching, and in particular, the political and spiritual turmoil in and around Jerusalem currently. Deeply researched, this book brings several viewpoints that are usefully challenging my thinking. The preface ends with the famous Lloyd George advice to his Governor of Jerusalem at the time, who was being savagely criticised by both Jews and Arabs. “Well, if either one side stops complaining, you’ll be dismissed!”
Podcast & Video Recommendations:
🎧 Infamous Wes Huff vs Billy Carson Debate
This is a superb example of how to take a differing viewpoint and handle it with grace and dignity. This clip has the moderator’s comments removed - leaving just the two main protagonists. Following the fame of this clip, Wes Huff was invited onto Joe Rogan’s podcast, perhaps making Wes the most listened to Christian apologist ever.
🎧 Compelled: Speaking and Living the Gospel – Tim Mackie (The Bible Project)
An older one, but a good one. I’ve re-watched this lately to keep my focus sharp and to keep my thinking clear. Start at 11:30 if you haven’t got a lot of time. It’s still slightly too transactional for my liking - I wish he talked more about grace, love and God’s great desire to restore relationships - but I find it very helpful in pointing out my own erroneous thinking that I can so easily slip into.
🎧 Russell Brand Exposes NEW AGE Deception (And Shares Christ With Jordan Peterson)
Please excuse the sensationalist thumbnail and the dramatic opening edit! This is a wonderful piece of testimony from Russell Brand, which directly challenges Jordan Peterson’s more cerebral and psychoanalytical interpretation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Let’s pray that these two men continue on their paths towards Jesus and living lives sold out to Him. Between them they have a global audience of over 15 million subscribers!
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
If you have any announcements, stories, or events you’d like to share with our community, please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
Deadline for article submissions: The 9th of every month.
The next newsletter will be distributed on April 16th.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you.
