Leadership New Zealand

Another wave of change. Another round of uncertainty. It’s no wonder so many leaders are feeling stretched and exhausted right now.

The pace of the world isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s speeding up. And in the middle of that, leaders are being asked to stay clear, calm, and resilient.

That’s a lot to carry.

What makes the difference? Connection.

Having people beside you who understand what you’re navigating. People you can think with. People who remind you that you don’t have to carry it all on your own.

Because in uncertain times, we don’t need more pressure to perform alone. We need spaces where we can work through it together.

That’s exactly why the New Zealand Leadership Programme exists. It’s designed to bring leaders together to connect, reflect, and strengthen how they lead alongside others who truly get it.

If you’re feeling the weight of leading through change right now, consider this your invitation to not do it alone.

Applications for the 2026 Programme are now open. We’d love to have you involved. You can find more details and apply here:

https://www.leadershipnz.co.nz/2026-new-zealand-leadership-programme

Who is the New Zealand Leadership Programme for?

Leadership comes in many forms and this programme embraces the diversity of leadership across our nation.

Designed for individuals already influencing direction, shaping decisions, and carrying responsibility - often quietly.

You may have a decade or more of experience. You might lead a team, a function, an organisation, or contribute to a broader movement. You may not define yourself as a “senior leader,” but others turn to you when it counts.

What matters most is your mindset:
👉 A willingness to challenge your thinking
👉 Openness to learning alongside people from diverse sectors and perspectives
👉 A desire to deepen your understanding of Aotearoa. It's history, its future, and your role within it

Because the strength of this programme lies in its cohort. A cross-sector community of leaders expanding what leadership looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If someone comes to mind as you read this, tag them below or share this post.

Applications for the 2026 New Zealand Leadership Programme are now open.

To learn more and to apply - visit www.leadershipnz.co.nz/2026-new-zealand-leadership-programme

Is Now Your Time? ✨ Applications for the 2026 Programme are now open.

📅 Starts: 9 June 2026
⏳ Applications close: May

Ready to step into your next chapter? We’d love to connect. Check out the link in bio 🔗

Is now your time?

Recently, we took time to pause, reflect and refresh the New Zealand Leadership Programme, focusing on what leadership requires now and into the future.

The result is a refreshed evolution of our flagship programme, designed by leaders for leaders. Honouring what has made the New Zealand Leadership Programme distinctive for more than 20 years, while strengthening its relevance for today’s world and tomorrow's leaders.

✨ Applications for the 2026 Programme are now open

📅 Starts: 9 June 2026
⏳ Applications close: May

Ready to step into your next chapter? We’d love to connect.
🔗https://www.leadershipnz.co.nz/2026-new-zealand-leadership-programme

🎉 Congratulations to the NZLP Class of 2025! 🎉

Earlier this month, we celebrated the graduation of this year NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP) cohort, with an evening full of connection, creativity and laughter. The Class of 2025 took the stage and wove together a powerful story of their year long programme experience - embodying this year’s theme of Collaborative Leadership.

Ngā mihi nui to our Principal Partners; Harrison Grierson, Foundation North and Clare Foundation; and to the organisations, workplaces, whānau and communities who made this journey possible.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the night and to our amazing photographer Caroline Ducobu for capturing it all so beautifully.

✨ And to the Class of 2025 - we are so proud of you. You’ve shown the true strength of collaborative leadership, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make. Congratulations once again! 🎓

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the Rt Hon Jim Bolger, ONZ - a valued Ambassador, long standing supporter and a cherished friend of Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa | Leadership New Zealand.

Jim has supported Leadership New Zealand since it’s early days. He gave generously of his time and wisdom, engaging with our programmes and people with genuine warmth and curiosity. On several occasions, he travelled a distance to be with us, and we were especially privileged to have him and Joan join the New Zealand Leadership Programme in Pōneke just a few months ago. That time together now feels even more precious.

For the past decade, we have been honoured to have Jim serve as one of our Ambassadors. He deeply believed in our kaupapa - the power of courageous, thoughtful conversation about the issues that matter most to Aotearoa and brought immense mana, wisdom, and integrity to every discussion.

Jim was a man of conviction and compassion - one who was willing to share his insights and voice when others remained silent. His presence always left an imprint, and his influence will continue to be felt across our community.

Kua hinga te tōtara i te Waonui a Tāne — the tōtara in the great forest of Tāne has fallen

From all of us at Leadership New Zealand, our aroha and thoughts are with Joan and with their whānau at this sad time.

As Matariki returns to our skies, we celebrate a time of reflection, connection and renewal ✨

Wishing you peace and purpose in the new year ahead. Mānawatia a Matariki, from all of us at Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa | Leadership New Zealand ✨

“This experience has enriched my understanding of leadership and the power of collaboration.” — Felicity Midmer, Southern Cross Pet Insurance, NZLP Alumni 2024

This programme helps leaders from across Aotearoa learn how to have the kinds of conversations that lead to collective solutions for the good of everyone.

✨ Applications for 2026 open soon — register your interest now to be the first to hear when applications go live 🔗 [link in bio]

🌿 Adapting Together: A New Chapter in Community Leadership 🌿

On a stunning May morning at Te Aroha Pā, overlooking the Kaipara Harbour, we proudly launched Adapting Together — a seven-month leadership journey to grow resilience and strengthen community leadership across Tāmaki Makaurau.

We welcomed 28 incredible leaders — each having played pivotal roles in the recovery from the 2023 severe weather events or have contributed to Local Recovery Planning efforts.

Over the next six immersive retreats, participants will embark on a transformative experience — developing skills, deepening relationships, and building a connected network of leaders across our region.

This programme was made possible with support from the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office (TMRO), led by Auckland Council, and Lottery Community Funding for Change.

A heartfelt ngā mihi to the haukāinga at Te Aroha Pā for your warmth and generosity, and to the incredible Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa team for all the work that has gone into bringing this kaupapa to life.

🌟 We’re so excited for what’s ahead. A warm welcome to our participants — we can't wait to see what unfolds for you on the journey ahead.

🎉 Celebrating the 21st Cohort of the New Zealand Leadership Programme – The Class of 2025! 🎉

Last Friday was an incredible evening of celebration, connection, and laughter as we welcomed the Class of 2025 into the NZ Leadership Programme!

This year’s theme – Collaborative Leadership – emphasises the power of diverse voices working together to address shared challenges. It's about building relationships, showing care and respect, and fostering unity to create a thriving, inclusive future.

A special thank you to the Class of 2024 for leading the formalities and passing the rākau with generosity, truly embodying their year's theme.

We are deeply grateful to our principal partners Harrison Grierson, Foundation North, and Clare Foundation together with the LNZ team, Trustees & Ambassadors for their continued support in shaping the future of leadership in Aotearoa.

To the Class of 2025 – a warm welcome! We’re excited to watch your journey unfold and to see you embrace the experiences and opportunities that lie ahead. Here’s to a year of collaboration and connection! 🌟