2018 YEARBOOK
CONTENTS CHAIR’S FOREWORD
1
NICK ASTWICK
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
2
ROB CAMPBELL
GRADUANDS’ SPEECH
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ANYA SATYANAND & SANDRA ALOFIVAE
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW 2018 EVENTS
AWAKENING THE WORLD LOUISE MARRA
REFLECTIONS ON 2018
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8
10
CLASS OF 2018
SNAPSHOTS
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PHOTO ESSAY
DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE PHOTO ESSAY
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
THE PEOPLE
Enriching New Zealand through active leadership in a connected community.
We thank the following people for their generous support of Leadership New Zealand.
MISSION To build an exceptional leadership culture that develops and celebrates resilient, courageous, authentic leaders who: ››
Have a strong awareness of issues of significance for New Zealand;
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Value diversity, engage in meaningful conversation, connect and work successfully across difference;
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Build and transform organisations, communities and effect positive social economic and cultural change across society.
VALUES Courageous Generous of spirit Inclusive Acting with integrity Innovative Apolitical Celebrating diversity PUMANAWA KAIARAHI O AOTEAROA LEADERSHIP NZ TRUST
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ERENA KARA ADAM COOPER
EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE
VISION
PO Box 5061 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 +64 9 309 3749 info@leadershipnz.co.nz leadershipnz.co.nz
LEADERSHIP NZ STAFF
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DOWNER GROUP
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 29 DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Leadership New Zealand, its members or the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for omissions, typographical or printer’s errors, inaccuracies or changes that may have taken place after publication. All rights reserved. 2018 NZLP Yearbook
Sina Wendt Chief Executive Louise Marra Programme Director Annette Bartlett Programme Leader Nicola Campbell Programme Facilitator Judy Whiteman Network Connector Dr Karlo Mila Mana Moana Programme Director Cecilia Vakameilalo-Kioa Mana Moana Programme Manager Alistair Kwun Marketing, Communications & Events Manager
EDITORIAL TEAM Sina Wendt, Judy Whiteman, Annette Bartlett, Alistair Kwun, Curative
LEADERSHIP NZ TRUSTEES Nick Astwick Chair, Leadership NZ; Chief Executive Officer, Southern Cross Health Society; Alumnus 2010 Steve Ferguson
Deputy Chair, Leadership NZ; Programme Director Visa 2020, Immigration NZ; Alumnus 2013
Christien Winter George Riley
Executive Director, Sheffield Trustee, Te Tii Waitangi (B3) Ahu Whenua Trust; General Manager, Māori Economic Development, Northland Inc.; Alumnus 2009
Hilary Sumpter
Chief Executive, Kerikeri Retirement Village; Alumna 2010
Neville Pulman
Programme Director, Be. Accessible; Alumnus 2006
Peter Garnett
Company Director
Tara Pradhan
Director, Government and International Relations, Greenstone TV; Alumna 2007
Teresa Tepania-Ashton Chief Executive Officer, Māori Women’s Development Inc; Alumna 2006 LEADERSHIP NZ AMBASSADORS Sir Bob Harvey
Chair, Ambassadors; Champion for Auckland – Overseas Investment
David McGregor Jo Brosnahan
Deputy Chair, Ambassadors; General Counsel, Envirocounsel Founder, Leadership NZ; Company Director
Chris Laidlaw Wellington Regional Councillor; Writer John Hinchcliff Louise Marra
Emeritus Vice Chancellor, AUT University; President, Peace Foundation Director, Spirited Leadership; Programme Director, Leadership NZ
Peter Kerridge Suzanne Snively
Director, Kerridge and Partners MD, More Media Enterprises; Chair, Agri-Women Development Trust; Company Director
Tim Miles
Company Director
Tony Nowell
Director, Valadenz; Company Director
PATRON
Beverley, Lady Reeves
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CHAIR’S FOREWORD Congratulations to the New Zealand Leadership Programme graduates of the Class of 2018. You have successfully navigated the “soul soaking” voyage to becoming awakened leaders. You now deservedly take your place within the alumni cohort as alumni 423 to 456. The vision that existed at the genesis of Leadership NZ was to have a powerful force of alumni standing tall and purposefully leading for Aotearoa New Zealand. We are getting there! I had the great pleasure of attending the Mana Moana graduation a few weeks back. This incredibly joyous occasion reminded me of how important graduations are, not just for the graduands, but for the family and friends that support our future leaders. Graduations are often perceived as a ritual to mark the end of something rather than the start of something. Let’s be clear, we see this as the start (or kick start) of your commitment to a life in leadership. To stand up, to lead with head and heart, to commit to a leadership journey of self-discovery and empowerment and most of all, not accept that what we see is all there is. The theme this year was Awakened Leadership in the Future of Work. As we know it is not the strongest but the most adaptive that survive and prosper. Awakened leaders have a developed and tuned plasticity. They learn to unlearn, they nurture a mindset of mutuality and togetherness and deeply understand the human dynamic. As a result, they have greater understanding and ability to collaborate and adapt, possess a heightened vision and can carry less resentment. As servant leaders they do what’s right because it is the right thing to do. Awakened leaders are best dressed to not just survive but thrive in a world of volatility, complexity and uncertainty. I know the Programme team of Louise Marra, Nicola Campbell and Annette Bartlett have safely guided and supported you on your awakened leadership journeys this year and I thank them for their valuable and wise support. On behalf of the Trustees, I want to acknowledge and thank our generous sponsors, partners and those who volunteer for the cause. It is greatly appreciated. To our Ambassadors, Trustees and to the talented, passionate and hardworking Leadership NZ family led by Sina Wendt, thank you all for your ongoing and invaluable contribution. New Zealand’s current Poet Laureate and our very own Leadership NZ taonga, Selina Tusitala Marsh (Alumna 2010) recited her poem ‘Lead’ at the Mana Moana graduation. In the context of Awakened Leadership, I quote this section of her poem as a reminder of our responsibility to stand and scale up our leadership influence in and for Aotearoa New Zealand.
“LEAD THROUGH LEANING, LEAD THROUGH LEARNING, LEAD THROUGH OTHERS, LEAD BY EARNING YOUR OWN WAY IN THE WORLD.” Nick Astwick Chair, Leadership NZ
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The path from anarchist student to awakened leader has been ripe with invaluable learnings for prominent Auckland businessman Rob Campbell. He shares these lessons with Alistair Kwun. What did you learn from your time running an anarchist bookshop in 1960s Wellington? New Zealand in the late 1960s was a time of burgeoning radicalism. Students at that time, including myself, felt a strong sense of community, experimented with ideas and fought for positive social and political change. We were particularly influenced by British left-wing political writing, and it was from this climate of change and collective spirit that Resistance Bookshop was born. Business lessons were far and few, but it was a lot of fun! How was your leadership style in those days? My concept of leadership during my tertiary years was highly collective and romantic. Because I didn’t exercise any form of leadership, I preferred to admire, listen and learn from prominent speechmakers, protesters and change makers. In my early professional career, this shifted to a “command and control” style – the most in vogue at the time. Back then, I don’t believe I understood how to enable the best in others.
AN AWAKENED JOURNEY THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Rob Campbell
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YEARBOOK 2018
What value did you add to your early and mid-career roles? After a short teaching stint at Massey University, I became involved with the union movement, mainly as a research adviser. Unions were under attack during the Muldoon reign, and leadership within unions was unstable. So I decided to step up and offer them my advocacy, education and media relations skills – a unique blend at that time. My ability to structure compelling arguments and present a sophisticated, thought leadership perspective was coveted and respected, as most officials in that world didn’t possess those skillsets. What is awakened leadership? In what ways have you awakened those in your professional circles? I like to open people’s minds to reading or listening to something once a month that they don’t agree with, something that challenges their ingrained perspectives. I also deliberately seek out things that are beyond my comfort zone. For example, I’m not conversant in te reo despite having lived my whole life in New Zealand. It was easier to avoid this when I was growing up. I see how ignorant I was back then. So now it’s about making a concerted effort to build capacity and tackle the ignorance. Decision makers are appointed to roles because they possess some form of professional excellence, expertise and enthusiasm. At the same time, these decision makers tend to think they know everything. I coax them to focus on upgrading these skills and develop a passion for learning - not only about themselves, but especially from others. I also work hard to encourage people to see beyond the present, the mediocre and their individual constraints. Inertia is our worst enemy, and it’s crucial to understand that things don’t have be the way that they are. In fact they are more than they appear to be. I believe that our purpose in life is to overcome problems and thinking that hinder our success. Buddha was once asked: “What are you? Are you a man? Are you a God? Are you a King?” Buddha said: “I am none of those things. I am awake.” By helping people to be better leaders also helps me to be a better leader. At any level of management that helps guide one’s actions. To be an “awakened leader” is most apposite today. As a passionate advocate for diversity on boards, how have you moved the conversation dial with business leaders around this topic? In the business world, people tend to treat diversity as a “fresh concept”. I have been intent on reframing diversity in conversations from the everyday notion of “creating” it (actually it’s always been there) to “awakening” it. That’s what those in decision making roles should be doing – awakening it.
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Real change will occur in the country when existing directors are replaced by younger blood with more flexible, modern mindsets. Diversity is a challenge to existing senior leaders as many of them can’t adapt or don’t want to change, so we fall back on a facile approach to diversity. Renewal therefore becomes essential to meet modern demands. I don’t think we can have senior executives spend too long serving on boards or having them rotate from one company to another. I’m also an advocate of “reverse mentoring” which offers excellent results when an emerging leader is matched with an older one to learn, teach and listen to each other. This belief reinforces my own mantra: “The duty of the old is not to get in the way of the bold.” What challenges do we need to “awaken” ourselves as New Zealanders - now and in the future? We’ve become a more separated society than we think. Our Treaty partnership is present in public and educational sectors, but largely absent or treated as token on boards and in business. There is quite a way to go before it is naturally embraced in corporate circles. It is exciting and unique to have the Treaty as the foundation document of our nation. Perhaps we need to focus on firmly embedding it in our minds to give us the confidence to then address multiculturalism. My fitness trainer is an ex-boxer of Māori and Samoan descent who has helped me improve not only my body performance but also my understanding of issues affecting diverse communities. At the bootcamps around Auckland, I am often the only Pākehā present. That has been a catalyst for me to see, learn and understand others better. What this underpins is the need to break down geographical, social and cultural divisions.
EVERY DAY YOU’RE NOT DOING SOMETHING INCLUSIVE, YOU’RE DOING SOMETHING EXCLUSIVE. Each generation carries its own zeitgeist. For my parents’ generation, it was a quest for security whereas for mine it was an attempt to understand our identity and place. The present generation is seeking out more authentic ways to live. We live in confusing times where everyone is questioning the vision, values and behaviour of current leaders. People who can build people through awakened leadership are a gem. At the end of the day, the only leader you can rely on is your inner leader.
Rob Campbell is an investor, director and Chairman of SKYCITY Entertainment Group.
GRADUANDS’ SPEECH
CRAFTING OUR KOROWAI
Anya Satyanand & Sandra Alofivae
TUHIA KI TE RANGI WRITE IT IN THE SKY
TUHIA KI TE WHENUA WRITE IT IN THE LAND
TUHIA KI TE NGĀKAU O NGĀ TANGATA WRITE IT IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
KO TE MEA NUI
THE GREATEST THING
KO TE AROHA IT IS LOVE
TIHEI (WA) MAURI ORA!
Firstly, we honour those leaders upon whose shoulders we stand – the trailblazers, the troublemakers, the visionaries, those restless souls who sought a better world for those that followed. Secondly, we honour the leaders working for change in the world right now - those who are stepping up, activating communities and the wider marketplace whom the Leadership NZ 2018 cohort are proud to be amongst. And finally we honour the leaders to come. They have been central to many of our Leadership NZ journeys this year, and whether it’s our desire to leave them with less degraded marine environments, a more equitable and sustainable economy, a more participatory and inclusive democracy or socially just world, we’ve all spent time shaping the way in which our leadership will create goodness for future generations.
In framing our reflective thoughts, we are mindful of the soul-soaking experience we have all been on this year and want to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys as way-finders, using navigational tools arrayed before us by our esteemed coaches and quintessential guides Louise Marra and Nicola Campbell.
YEARBOOK 2018
We have learnt on our journey that the highest form of leadership is LOVE. Awakened Leadership therefore was about aligning our “head knowledge with the heart knowledge”. An intelligent (head knowledge) leader can achieve much through persuasive arguments and articulate strategies but an intuitive (heart knowledge) leader can influence their environment far more profoundly through their natural ability and learned skills to understand intangible factors and work with them to accomplish leadership goals. An intuitive leader will do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do for the greater good. Throughout this year, we have seen Leadership NZ craft leaders willing to use their talents and powers to advance Aotearoa’s future. Leadership NZ encourages you to examine your life by looking in the mirror – it takes you on a personal journey of self-discovery/self-empowerment. By the end of the journey we were able to articulate our personal value sets, the non-negotiables in our lives. We learnt some uncomfortable truths along the way - internal governance is a skill you foster and develop. Your inability to recognize this leaves you constantly at the risk of losing your autonomy and being controlled by external circumstances. How do you speak truth to a system to establish a new status quo? By undertaking inquiries, for I am part of the system. Transformational energies are required to change a system. We experienced the beauty of the ‘micro-pause’ – selah moments to reflect on decisions allowing you to be the master of your own fate. Thank you Louise, Nicola, Judy, Annette and Sina for enabling us to appreciate who the great I AM is within each of us by exploring our inner space; our digestion; learning to presence and take inner selfies; our resonance; congruence; our authenticity; seeing emotions as wisdom; shadow integration; healing; inspiration; body intelligence and our bliss is our joy. In seeking our own inner truths, we have a richer understanding of what is required of us personally if we are to truly be transformative awakened leaders now and in the future. Our journey as a cohort can perhaps be described in the fine weave of the korowai, a traditional Māori cloak unique to us here in Aotearoa. There are three particular threads that form part of the core design of the korowai.
THE TE AHO TAPU, THE FIRST AND MAIN THREAD OF THE KOROWAI, WEAVES THE WHENU AND AHO OF THE KOROWAI TOGETHER. At our first retreat in Silverdale, despite the bewilderment and anxiety, the sacred thread that would hold us together - te aho tapu - became discernible. It glinted in these early moments - as fleeting as a reflection off a distance surface. We tossed a ball of string between us and held the web we’d made, feeling the tension and anticipation of 35 people coming down the wire at us, and emanating from us. Conversations started sometimes shyly, sometimes boldly. These conversations have become the sacred thread for our learning.
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The second thread is called Aho. This is the weft or horizontal threads. We have come to recognize Aho as our relationships with one another. A strong pattern emerged with every retreat. Once you know something about an issue, you can’t unknow it. Impactful change was built off the courage, strength and passion of individual leader’s commitment to hold fast to principles and values for a much bigger purpose. The intricate lives of Sir Bob Harvey, Sir Jim Bolger, Pat Snedden and Ngāti Whātua’s Bastion Point occupation are timely reminders of the importance of relationships to name a few. Taking care of the va – the sacred space between relationships - is important to nurture if we are to grow together as awakened leaders in an increasingly complex world. The vertical or warp threads, are called whenu. This is the third thread. The whenu are our My Lives stories – powerful and poignant, each one distinct and memorable. To be able to pour yourself out so generously without measure is a gift to one another. Through this process, we have come to appreciate our mauri and recognise how to keep it filled. The Leadership NZ team has painstakingly crafted its 2018 korowai. Our thread of extensive conversations; our thread of relationships and the thread of My Lives are all carefully woven together through the Leadership NZ framework to create an authentic tapestry that can’t be replicated by any other year. We, the graduands, make up the individual threads that underpin this garment of honour. We have laughed; we have danced; we have triumphed, and we have shared in one another’s sorrow. Together we’ve woken up - to ourselves, to each other, and to the urgent issues around us.
IF NOT US, THEN WHO? AND IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN? As we come to the close of our exceptional journey together, recognizing that it wasn’t always harmonious, we are reminded that the diverse make up of our cohort covers the seven spheres of influence in our society today. We have people from government; education; philanthropy; arts and entertainment; media; family and business. These spheres are intertwined. They overlap and have the ability to influence generationally. Let’s decree together that individually and corporately we will commit to developing the character required to stand out and excel in our spheres of influence (in our homes; our communities; our workplaces and in our nation) to influence our world to be a better place. We want to end on this quote from Malcolm Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point. He described the same as “…that moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire.” Let us be the Leadership NZ cohort that moves out purposefully with the eyes of our hearts wide open becoming the game-changer our nation needs in our respective spaces as awakened leaders. A massive congratulations to the graduating class of 2018.
2018
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
FEBRUARY The Journey: Framing and Tooling Up Northridge Country Lodge, Silverdale
Peter Garnett
Chair, Leadership NZ
Team-building; tools, inspiration and connecting; exploring leadership models
Sina Wendt
Chief Executive, Leadership NZ; Leadership NZ Alumna
Louise Marra
Programme Director, Leadership NZ; Director, Spirited Leadership
Nicola Campbell
Programme Facilitator, Leadership NZ; Director, Spirited Leadership
Dr Karlo Mila
Poet, Writer, Academic; Leadership NZ Alumna
Sir Bob Harvey
Champion for Auckland
Jo Brosnahan
Founder, Leadership NZ
MARCH A Civil Society: Our Roots, Our History Kohewhata Marae, Kaikohe; Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum Our history; Māori perspectives; the Treaty of Waitangi; community and community leadership
Kaumatua Ted Wihongi
Kohewhata Marae
Deidre Otene
General Manager, Moko Foundation; Leadership NZ Alumna
Dr Aroha Harris
University of Auckland
MAY A Civil Society: Our People AUT University, Auckland
Pat Snedden
Business Advisor
Elements of a civil society; ethics; values; current issues; who benefits in our country and who doesn’t; Design Thinking
Dave Wild
Futurist, Smith & Wild
NZTE and Toi Whakaari, Wellington
Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
How we work now, what we need to adapt to the changing nature of work; how we address the changes in an unknown future
Hadas Wittenberg
Co-Founder and Future of Work enabler at ILLUMEO.ME
Berlinda Chin
Strategic Specialist, Ethnic Communities, State Services Commission
Peter Chrisp
Chief Executive, NZTE
Teresa Tepania-Ashton
CEO, Māori Women’s Development Inc; Leadership NZ Trustee & Alumna
Julian Raphael
Community Music Junction
Christian Penny
Director, Toi Whakaari; Leadership NZ Alumnus
Caccia Birch House, Palmerston North
Prof. Danny Donaghy
Professor of Dairy Production Systems, Massey University
New Zealand’s economic base; environmental issues and natural resources; balancing income streams; social implications; future NZ
Lisa Chase
Senior Advisor – Regional Economic Development for Te Tai Hauauru for Te Puni Kokiri
Richard Morrison
Farmer; Director; President, Manawatu-Rangitikei Federated Farmers
Janine Sudbury
Sudbury
JUNE The Future of Work
JULY Sustainability and the Economy
YEARBOOK 2018
AUGUST Our Outer and Inner Environment Heritage Hotel, Hanmer Springs
Rob Kerr
The environment and the inner world of resilient and holistic leadership
General Manager - Residential Red Zone, Regenerate Christchurch, Leadership NZ Alumnus
Don Miskell
ONZM
Dr Morgan Williams
Principal, FutureSteps
Dr Pam Williams
Trustee, Cawthron Institute Trust Board
SEPTEMBER Awakened Leadership: Deep Dive Onetangi Community Hall, Waiheke Island
Sylvia Rands
Vocal coach
Presence and mindfulness; expressing our essence and core; integration and collective creation
Steve Hollins
Living Theatre
NOVEMBER Closing Retreat: Integration Waitakere Estate, Waiatarua, West Auckland
Tuiloma LinaJodi Samu
Human Rights Advisor Pasifika, New Zealand Human Rights Commission
Visions for New Zealand - group visions and visions from the speakers; what that means for New Zealand leadership; integrating the learning; the journey ahead
Andrew Barnes
Director, Innovator, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Ainsleigh Cribb-Su’a
Chief Executive, VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai; Leadership NZ Alumna
Jo Brosnahan
Founder, Leadership NZ
2018 L E A D E R S H I P N Z E V E N T S FEBRUARY 15 New Zealand Leadership Programme 2018 Launch KPMG, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Mihi Whakatau
Chris Carrington
Tax Consultant, KPMG
MC
Nicky Vella
Leadership NZ Alumna 2017
Speakers
Godfrey Boyce Peter Garnett Alison Taylor Sina Wendt Louise Marra
Chief Executive, KPMG Chair, Leadership NZ CEO, Centre for Social Impact; Leadership NZ Alumna CEO, Leadership NZ; Leadership NZ Alumna The New Zealand Leadership Programme Director, Leadership NZ
JULY 3 Dinner with a Difference: An Awakened Leadership Experience Sir Paul Reeves Building, AUT University, Auckland
Mihi Whakatau
Te Aroha Morehu
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
MC/Facilitator
Dave Wild
Executive Chairman, Smith & Wild
Performer
Dietricht Soakai
Programme Director, Brothers in Arms; Spoken Word Poet
Panelists
Justin Flitter Jerome Faury Amanda Judd Chris Trigg Lillian Grace Owen Young
Founder, Tech.Kiwi, New Zealand AI Group General Manager, Centrality CEO, Kai Chief Digital Officer, Southern Cross Health Society CEO and Founder, Figure.NZ Senior Lecturer, AUT
NOVEMBER 10 New Zealand Leadership Programme 2018 Graduation Q Theatre, Auckland
MC
Pieter Tuinder
Graduand Representatives
Anya Satyanand Sandra Alofivae
Speaker
Pat Snedden
Business Advisor
MC
TBC
TBC
Speaker
Simon Moutter
Managing Director, Spark
Leadership NZ Alumnus
NOVEMBER 26 Sir Paul Reeves Lecture Sir Paul Reeves Building, AUT University, Auckland
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FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Louise Marra
This year, we chose a big theme to explore: Awakened Leadership in the Future of Work. Our Programme Director, Louise Marra, thinks it feels apt why would we not demand anything else from our leaders?
AWAKENING THE WORLD
YEARBOOK 2018
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“THE THEME CHALLENGES US TO APPRECIATE THE LIMITATIONS OF OUR CURRENT FRAME OF THINKING AND CONSCIOUSNESS CALLING US TO QUESTION OUR CURRENT REALITY AND DISCOVER AN EXPANDED WORLD VIEW.”
We need leaders who are on their own awakening journey, deeply connected to their own development, ensuring they bring as much wisdom and consciousness as they can muster into the room with them.
A distinct feature may be that these teams take growth and development as essential. They are: •
Curious and feature in wholeness
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Dedicated to the power of the We space
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Process-orientated, as a way of meeting outcomes, not outcome focused
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There is much literature on consciousness entering the leadership arena now – Spiral Dynamics, Integral Theory, Reinventing Organisations, so there is plenty to feast on as we ask, “What does this mean we do on Monday?”
Interested in Te Waa, the Va, the space between people to keep it untangled and clear and able to sense into this when things are awry
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Dedicated to engage with knowns, pre-knowns, unknowns, visibles and invisibles, overt and covert
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The theme challenges us to appreciate the limitations of our current frame of thinking and consciousness calling us to question our current reality and discover an expanded world view.
Dedicated to individual healing as a prerequisite for creating healthy We spaces
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Everything can be included and worked with and transcended if need be
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Subtle competencies are developed
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A balance of the feminine and masculine – being and doing – strength and vulnerabiity - both are valued
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Silence and stillness are valued as a way into the creative consciousness
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Everyone is committed to each other’s highest purpose and commits to helping each other grow
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Value is added to all cycles all the time – natural cycles
We need leaders in this time who are in the healing archetype as we are in process of healing what Otto Scharmer, from MIT in Boston, calls the three divides – self to self, self to other and self to the planet. We need leaders with a big view.
The future we need to grow goes beyond the dominant belief that everything is separate even though it appears that way in my frame. No matter how much science and those more evolved throughout the eons have said everything is connected, if we cannot see it we are inclined to operate as if it isn’t true. Let’s face it, most of us are wholeness-blind. In awakened leadership we don’t accept that what we see is all there is. We intentionally realise our current limited abilities to perceive the wholeness and unity that exists and work diligently towards increasing our capacity. As we increase our capacity for seeing and experiencing wholeness we also harvest the fruits of that seeing – love, insight, system thinking, creativity, pattern seeing and many more superpowers. So why not? Why stay attached to a lesser version of ourselves? Why not have the humility to be where we are and update ourselves into a future version? We know that growth is the serum of life, this is not the growth of bigger but rather wiser. Life is always moving wanting us to evolve, all systems to evolve. I have been pondering instead of high-performing teams what would a deep-performing team look and feel like? Knowing what we are heading towards we can cultivate capacities in ourselves and organisations.
To do all this we need to integrate core practices, become interested in the subtle world, in consciousness and develop the competencies of presencing, healing and integrating, mediation, full body listening and sensing, harvesting and digesting learning, shadow practice, feeling and working with the Mauri – the life force, vulnerability and grounding ourselves fully in the body and working with the body and heart wisdom we all possess, atonement, congruence and resonance. Mostly it means we can sense, feel, see the energy of the system, each other and ourselves and work with this. It can all seem like a lot, but why not have an intent of growing into an updated version of yourself, lifting your own ceiling and contributing truly to a better world in you, in your whānau and in your organisation.
Reflections
ANDREA BREWSTER Director, Brewster + Associates
My career so far has taken me from the Christchurch rebuild to the Beehive, through NGOs and social enterprises to now running my own strategy, change and communications consultancy. I believe the future of work is purpose-led with people we like, when and where we want, so I’m walking the talk and helping others do the same. I’m a feminist, changemaker, and a champion for women in leadership and the power of a millennial mindset. I love living in Christchurch with the emerging new city, thriving innovation ecosystem and proximity to the mountains for trail running and ski touring. Skills offered: Change management, communications, facilitation, strategic planning, community engagement, public speaking
CHRISTCHURCH
ANYA SATYANAND CEO, Prince’s Trust New Zealand
W E L L I N G T O N /A U C K L A N D
Leadership NZ has been a transformational experience for me at a pivotal moment in my personal journey. I feel so privileged to experience the aroha from our incredible Leadership NZ 2018 whānau who have challenged and supported me in so many ways. I have particularly enjoyed our triad/ quad groups and the gift of peer coaching that Louise and Nicola have helped us give each other. I’ve also expanded my appreciation for Te Ao Māori and my own responsibility as a leader in Aotearoa. The biggest change I’ve noticed in myself is a sense of selfassurance and calm – decision making has become easier as I learn to trust the process and my intuition. I have a renewed faith in the potential of awakened leadership for our people and planet. I believe the Leadership NZ model of creating a sacred space for us to have important conversations and grow together is a powerful force. Current community involvement: Trustee, Trade Aid Christchurch; YWCA Christchurch and Catapult Employment Services; Mentor, youth leadership and entrepreneurship programmes including Ministry of Awesome and Limitless Charitable Trust
I bring nearly two decades of professional experience of educational leadership and sector development, working for and with young people in many different contexts. In my working life, I have worked to amplify young New Zealanders’ agency, voice and strengths. I am interested in the deep connections between young people’s wellbeing, their economic participation, democratic engagement and contribution to their communities. In 2018, I was appointed as CEO of the Prince’s Trust New Zealand. I am a fierce believer in collaboration being the key to creating the environment where young people will reach the stars that belong to them. Skills offered: Facilitation, governance, community engagement, youth leadership development, organisational development
This has been an incredible year of learning for me, a process that I’ve been privileged to undertake in the company of a wildly diverse group of thinkers, leaders and changemakers. Over the course of the year this Programme has expanded my world and I’ve grown as a result. I’ve witnessed extraordinary transformation in my Leadership NZ whānau. Changes big and small. Realisations and learnings have arrived with all of us. Some have come like bolts of lightning and others slow growing. Together we’ve taken audacious leaps into the unknown, fallen hard, gotten up, tried new things and figured out what’s important. We’ve spoken, we’ve been deeply heard. Leadership NZ has been generative, challenging and inspirational. Let us cast out lines with firm feet, into the depths, in the hope that the ripples we make will create waves beyond change simply in ourselves. Current community involvement: Houghton Valley School Board of Trustees, RockEnrol board member
THE CLASS OF 2018 SHARE THEIR JOURNEY ON THE NEW ZEALAND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
BRIARLEY BIRCH Heartland Coordinator, Te Ora Hau WHANGAREI
For the past 15 years I have worked, enjoyed, discovered, challenged, prayed, contributed and grown for a wonderful organization – Te Ora Hou. I found my feet here, my calling and another reason. I have led teams here, done big projects, some national, some collectively and some regional. I have worked alongside whānau and young people that have challenged my focus to the core. I have witnessed violence, hardship, poverty and shame. But I have also witnessed kindness, grace, achievement, possibility, hard work and above all LOVE. People are amazing, we all come with this landscape, that has been tended to differently, I think with some time and love, these landscapes change. How? That is the story.
development, training, facilitation, community engagement
I love how the possibility of an opportunity can fundamentally change our internal compass. Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa has done this for me. It has pulled out years of habit, mindset and ways, to put them in a bag, love on them, shake them up and re-align them to my true north. From the cohort, to the Leadership NZ team, to the guest speakers the level of honesty, excellence, wisdom and love has truly been mind-altering. Often this year I have just sat and looked at this cohort and thought what an absolute privilege to share growth with such an inspiring group. Kia kaha ngā Kaiārahi o Aotearoa. Current community involvement: Whangarei Youth Network, Te Uri O Hina Marae
Skills offered: Event planning, mentoring, youth leadership
My mum’s family started arriving in New Zealand in 1842, while my dad’s family came out from Scotland in 1951. Collectively, they worked hard to help build our country as surveyors, soldiers, journalists, typists, cleaners, welders, parents, and public servants.
CARL REAICH
Manager–Consular Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade WELLINGTON
For my part, I’ve worked as a Crown prosecutor, a commercial lawyer, and as a diplomat and trade negotiator. It’s a huge privilege to represent New Zealand offshore and, in my current role, to help Kiwis who need consular assistance around the world. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have my wife Diana and our three fantastic children, participate in these adventures with me. Skills offered: Legal, governance, relationship management
He aha te kai o te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. I’ve always liked that whakataukī - what is the food of a leader? It’s conversation, it’s dialogue, it’s discussion. And that’s what Leadership NZ has offered us this year. Every session has been a feast of ideas, perspectives and insights. Practical ideas about how to improve as a leader. New perspectives about our society and culture. And real insights about what we can achieve if we have the courage and determination to try. Two things have stood out for me: the extraordinary qualities of the other participants; and the fact that we don’t talk much about leadership theory in the abstract at Leadership NZ – we talk about how to develop as individuals and as a nation. Thanks for getting me going, Leadership NZ, and thanks to my family, friends, and MFAT for supporting me along the way. Karawhiua!
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THE NEW ZEAL AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
CATHERINE REDMOND Associate Director of Research Operations, AUT University
I grew up in Auckland and I love that I am now working for an institution that is impacting our city for the benefit of all, especially our young people. I am excited to be creating a sustainable research culture at AUT University.
Participating in the NZ Leadership Programme has been a wonderful experience for me. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew I did not want an academic programme that taught me leadership theory but didn’t help me to implement it in a practical way. I have loved the experiential, reflective approach offered by Leadership NZ.
While I trained as a lawyer, I spent a large chunk of my career working in publishing in London. Contract negotiation and relationship management has been the consistent theme across my varied roles.
The Programme has challenged my understanding of what leadership is and helped me shift perceived blocks to developing new skills. It has impacted every aspect of my life and it has been enormous fun too. Along the way I have been advised, inspired and awestruck by my fellow participants.
When I am not at work I am being taught how to lead and influence by my two fabulous sons and a dog named Rafa.
The Programme has taught me to appreciate challenges as opportunities for growth – so I am excited about what is around the next corner.
Skills offered: Grant funding, contract management, relationship management, strategic planning, risk management
Thank you for the amazing opportunity.
I was born in England, attended school in Christchurch and now call Waiheke Island home where I have lived for the last ten years with my family. An opportunity to work for Britain’s National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) in London introduced me to the power of innovation and creativity to change the world.
I started The NZ Leadership Programme with a commitment to remaining open to where the year may take me and what it may bring. And what a journey I have been rewarded with. It has been transformational to be part of such a diverse and talented group where we have formed such strong links and bonds. Where we have supported, shared and learnt from each other.
AUCKL AND
CHLOE HARWOOD
I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team of people at Foundation North where collectively we are working to find innovative ways to create positive impact for the communities of Auckland and Northland.
AUCKL AND
Skills offered: Facilitation, project management, strategic planning, community engagement, policy development, relationship management
Strategy & Innovation Manager, Foundation North
DALE HARNETT
Programme Planner – Business Transformation, Ports of Auckland AUCKL AND
I am a proud New Zealander, born, raised and still living in Auckland’s west. My professional qualification and early working career was as a Chartered Accountant. My current role focuses on business transformation and ensuring programmes contribute to our strategic goal and imperatives. I also have an interest in developing and training across our organisation and take pride in being part of organisational transformational change. I lived and worked in the UK for 10 years which gave me exposure to different sectors including social housing and the charity sector. The Leadership NZ Programme has strengthened my resolve to make a positive difference and give back to my community. Skills offered: Financial and strategic planning, leadership training, accounting, business development
The NZ Leadership Programme approach is unlike any other leadership programme I have been part of. The kaupapa of personal growth with the application of practical tools and skills is a potent combination. As we near the end of the Programme I have a feeling that I will be reflecting back on this year as I continue to apply what I have learnt. I come away with a deepened sense of purpose for how we can all contribute to heal ourselves, others and our planet.
It has been a privilege to be on the Leadership NZ journey; this unique Programme has delivered and inspired in so many ways. Access to some of New Zealand’s thought leaders, wonderful and supportive facilitators and the Leadership NZ team and an intelligent and inspiring cohort from varied industries and sectors bringing diverse life experiences and points of view all combined and added so much to my Leadership NZ journey. I will look back fondly on the varied and sometimes emotional discussions the cohort undertook on the challenges facing New Zealand; true diversity of thought in action. But most of all the Programme was a chance to take time to reflect and a chance to continue my personal leadership development journey towards a more empathetic, hopefully more human, and certainly more authentic leader.
YEARBOOK 2018
What brought me to this wonderful country five years ago was aroha, and I could not be any happier to call it my home. There is something really special about New Zealand that makes it an amazing country to live in with its beautiful scenery, diversity and can do attitude.
DAMIAN WILLEMS
Programme Manager Market Research, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Most of my career has been spent working within the public sector for international business development agencies helping businesses realise their international growth potential. I am very passionate about this field and proud to help our big and small Kiwi companies make a difference and succeed internationally. Skills offered: International business, international trade, market research, training, digital
AUCKL AND
DAN NEELY
Manager of Community Resilience, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office WELLINGTON
DAVE RICHES
Manager, Business Excellence, Auckland Council AUCKL AND
Born and raised in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, I am at home on the south coast of Wellington with my wife and two little girls. As the Manager of Community Resilience at WREMO, I am part of a team that is reshaping how Emergency Management empowers communities to be better connected and prepared for disasters. I love my work because it is meaningful, fascinating and ripe for innovation. In a past life, I worked in humanitarian aid, was a Peace Corps Volunteer, guided whitewater rafting expeditions and advocated for community housing. Also, I know a good taco when I see one.
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I feel very fortunate to have been part of the 2018 Programme. For me the Programme has been a lifechanging experience that has challenged and motivated me to uncover who I am as a person and as an authentic leader. Every session has brought different learnings, opinions and worldviews that have challenged and enabled me to build a better understanding of the challenges faced by New Zealand and its people. I have been enabled to peel away all the layers that have shaped and influenced me over the years (both negative and positive); I feel now that I have a better understanding of myself – how I came to be the way I am and the historical biases I bring to situations. This understanding has helped me to better manage myself in challenging and uncomfortable situations, and to consider the deeper motivations behind others’ behaviours. The Programme has enabled me to uncover my authentic self and my true values and equipped me with the tools and principles to continue developing as a leader.
“It’s down there somewhere. Let me take another look.” The Dude’s opening line in The Big Lebowski might as well be the subtitle to Leadership NZ’s Awakened Leadership theme. I spent each session and the weeks after looking inward, challenging myself. I usually left with questions I didn’t know I had questions for and gaps where I had anticipated an answer. And, through some of the most heartfelt dialogue I’ve ever experienced, a clearer appreciation of who I am and how I interact with the world emerged. All of it. This is my Leadership NZ experience and it could not have occurred at a better time for me personally and professionally. I’ve strengthened my confidence to build real connections and lead. #CICLNZ18
Skills offered: Change management, strategic planning , community engagement, public speaking, disaster risk man
We have the potential to achieve great outcomes if we share a common vision and persevere.
The challenge and profound journey of Leadership NZ has made 2018 a year I will treasure forever. It’s created the fundamental turning point in my life; a new passion, skillset and emotional connection I’ll forever be grateful for. From the first day, I felt the uneasy tension of uncertainness being churned inside, wondering how these ‘far-out’ concepts could be applied to my professional leadership. However, the concepts continue to land as deeper connections are formed with some of New Zealand’s diverse and talented leaders who are also on this journey. The wisdom and energy reflected in experiences shared by fellow colleagues, the speakers and facilitators really opened my eyes (and heart) for wanting more. More for myself, more for the organisations I support and more for Aotearoa, this paradise we call home. The awakening has happened, but the journey is just beginning – I’m hungry for everything the future holds.
Skills offered: Transformational leadership, information technology & digital, process improvement, programme management, strategic planning
Current community involvement: Youth camps director & trustee; tech & business advisory for non-profit org (eg. Homeless housing trust); tech & innovation startup coach
Growing up in a small town in the King Country, I had an appreciation for people’s talents and strengths and the effect they had on the community. My current role in Auckland Council allows me to link with policymakers, the front line and service people who share the same collective goal of bettering the lives of our communities and citizens. I have a passion for innovation that’s achieved through the collaboration of others, understanding their life experiences and worldviews.
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THE NEW ZEAL AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
DESI RAMOO
Manager, Research Technology & Innovation, Ministry for Primary Industries
My wife and I immigrated to New Zealand from the UK with our two sons when I was offered and accepted a role as a Building Physicist in 2008. Prior to obtaining my degrees, I held roles in construction, catering, started three businesses and toured North America by motorcycle for a year where I caught the science bug. My diverse background has provided the opportunity to develop my technical and soft skills. In my current role, I am able to identify late-stage research which may be transferred from the lab to solve real-world problems to protect and grow New Zealand’s primary industries. Skills offered: Strategic planning, organisational change, mentoring, innovation developer, relationship management
It was a much-valued privilege to be selected as a participant for the NZ Leadership Programme and to be supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries. As a result of workshops and creative facilitation I now have the tools and understanding of what makes me me and have grown from the experience. It wasn’t easy or comfortable at times, but it has enabled me to truly understand my own beliefs and how I affect and influence other’s behaviours. I probably have more questions now than answers as a direct result of the Programme, and this is in line with this year’s theme of “Awakened Leadership in the Future of Work.” I have remolded my thinking, taken learnings and applied them with fresh optimism to my personal and professional life as I move forward better equipped into an uncertain but exciting future.
WELLINGTON
I consider my upbringing in Māngere South Auckland as my greatest qualification. After a “road to Damascus” moment at university, I left my place in a conjoint degree to enter into youth work.
DICKIE HUMPHRIES Director, Tū Moana
AUCKL AND
EMILY HARRIS
Partnerships and Events Manager, EcoMatters Environment Trust AUCKL AND
My youth work practice grew to include community development and community action with particular success in connecting marginalised voices to policy processes. A growing passion for brokering conversations of change and drawing insights from differing worldviews led me on a path to explore indigenous approaches to personal and professional learning. It was through that passion that I co-founded the social enterprise Tū Moana. Skills offered: Facilitation, organisational development, diversity and inclusion development, indigenous methodologies, co-design
I’ve worked in the community sector for the past eight years as part of non-profit and social enterprise organisations. In my current role at EcoMatters, my team creates experiences to connect Aucklanders with our environment, and inspires and supports them to live more sustainably. I enjoy the challenge of working in a non-profit, trying to achieve big change with little resources. I also love collaborating with businesses and other organisations on projects. When I’m not working, I’m most likely to be reading, out in the garden, enjoying local community events, and spending time with my partner and our young son. Skills offered: Event planning, fundraising, community engagement, facilitation
This has been a year of sitting on the many shores of Aotearoa, allowing wave after wave to wash over me. Some a gentle lapping, some an unexpected crash of spritely saltiness. As the magic of the previous shore would spill over the landscape of old habits and outdated understanding, another would arrive, generously crested with insight and truth, leaving me completely present to what is awakening in and around me. I am awakening to the truest version of me. Awakening to healing and being awake to the trauma in our world and challenged to not only lead with an awakened mind but an awakened heart. Current community involvement: Youth Wellbeing Project Community-led suicide prevention; HEART Healthy Relationships in Tāmaki; Trustee, The Broekman Trust; Kaitiaki, TIES Tāmaki Inclusive Engagement Strategy; Practitioner, Rākau Tautoko
It has been a huge privilege to participate in the 2018 NZ Leadership Programme and to share the journey with a fabulous group of curious, open-minded, diverse, generous and fun people. It has been a year of profound insights, authentic connection, challenging viewpoints and deep reflection. My concept of leadership is now much richer. The terrain covered in the Programme was both broader and deeper than I expected, and I’ve gained much more from it than I could have imagined. I took on a new leadership role this year, by becoming a mother. I couldn’t have participated in the Programme as a new Mum without massive support from my partner Hayden, from EcoMatters, and from the Leadership NZ team, for which I am infinitely grateful. I finish the year filled with optimism for New Zealand’s future, knowing that my fellow participants are all committed to creating positive impacts across their spheres of influence. Current community involvement: Kai Auckland, parenting groups
YEARBOOK 2018
After ten years in the corporate IT world, I switched careers to work in international development, fulfilling a childhood promise to myself. Over the last 15 years I have worked in Cuba, Ireland, South East Asia and the Pacific for a wide range of development organisations. Having made so many mistakes along the way, I use simulations to teach students of development how to manage aid projects.
EOGHAN WALSH
Pathfinder – New Mission Establishment, Embassy of Ireland in New Zealand
I met my Kiwi wife in Timor-Leste, who took me via several waka to Solomon Islands, Tonga and finally New Zealand. I now work at the Embassy of Ireland in Wellington.
15
Before we can lead others, we need to be able lead ourselves. To lead ourselves, we need to know where we are now and where we want to go – we need to know our values, and how congruent our current way of living is with those values. To lead others we need to clearly and firmly articulate our vision and how we want to achieve that. As we drive forward we need to take on board the perspectives and wisdom of our team. We rarely truly know the depth of experience – mostly hard-won overcoming adversity – of our fellow travellers.
Skills offered: Change management, organisational development, organisational review, project management, strategic planning, mentoring, policy development, public speaking, process improvement
WELLINGTON
FIONA SISTERN
Customer Care Regional Manager, Earthquake Commission
I was born and educated in the heart of the Waikato. I have travelled, living and working in the UK for 10 years before returning home to family and friends. The majority of my career I have worked in leadership roles within the insurance industry. I love working with teams creating a culture that motivates and inspires people to achieve our shared vision. My current role is at EQC; I engage with a variety of people, teams and organisations across the country building relationships and helping New Zealanders get their lives back together and recover from natural disasters. Skills offered: People development, coaching, process improvement, operations, customer service
Leadership NZ has been a truly awakening and enjoyable experience, an absolute honour and privilege to be part of. The group dynamics are amazing, the relationships built are engaging and gratifying. It has been extremely humbling to learn about all the different life voyages people have embarked on to bring us all together for this fabulous journey. I have been absorbed by the thought provoking speakers throughout the year. The challenging conversations and various viewpoints have been insightful. The leadership sessions with Louise have been rewarding and stimulating. The skills and personal development have been beneficial, and I will draw on them for a long time to come. I am continuously reflecting, rethinking the way I interact with others and the environment around me – challenging myself to make things better. Forever in my heart – ake i roto i tōku ngākau.
H A M I LT O N
GEOFF LEWIS Director, KPMG
AUCKL AND
I’m originally from Wellington. Home is now Auckland with my wife and two girls. I have spent most of my career with KPMG, working across a range of service lines in Auckland with a short stint in Brussels. I also spent time in London with GSK, integrating the finance function of a large acquisition. I am currently an Audit Director, working primarily with growing entrepreneurial New Zealand businesses. I also provide specialised advisory services to the construction sector, including co-leading the sector for KPMG. I’m passionate about working alongside my clients to help them achieve their strategies, ambitions and purpose while growing capability and passion in people. Skills offered: Financial/commercial management, project advisory, risk management, financial audit & assurance, people and leadership development
This year has been an extremely valuable learning experience, which I have been lucky enough to share with a great group of people. The space has been created to trust each other in sharing our experience and learning, whilst supporting and encouraging each other to contribute, but equally offering challenging and diverse thought. I feel like my self-awareness and resilience to grow into my future leadership challenges has been substantially enhanced. I have a much better sense of my connection to why I am doing what I am doing, a greater understanding and consideration for the people and communities I work with, an expansion of knowledge about New Zealand and its challenges and opportunities for the future.
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THE NEW ZEAL AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
I’m CEO of an insurance company as well as Chairperson of Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust; an environmental organisation focused on shorebird conservation.
GILLIAN VAUGHAN
My volunteer work with shorebirds in China has really deepened my understanding of the importance of connections between individuals, groups and landscapes, between practicalities and ideals. I’m always interested in how to better build or deepen those connections.
Who are you empowering? Who are you disempowering? Who are you not talking to? How do you live your values? They are just some of the questions that will stay with me after this year’s NZ Leadership Programme. My skill at inquiry, both internal and external, and my willingness to pay attention to the results of those inquiries, to trust my own judgement, have increased dramatically this year. I’m beyond grateful to the people on the journey with me, the other participants, the speakers and the Leadership NZ team for their willingness to let the rest of us learn from the parts of themselves that they might not normally share.
Skills offered: Financial, governance, environmental
Current community involvement: Council member for Pūkokoro Miranda Naturalist’s Trust, Moult scheme convener for Birds New Zealand
I am a senior HR leader with extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, leading large, multi-disciplinary organisations through innovative HR strategy and practice. I bring a genuine passion for creating great places to work, engaging with staff, and contributing to organisations that have a strong focus on delivering meaningful outcomes to communities within New Zealand. At Presbyterian Support Northern I have instilled robust HR practice and policies that embrace these approaches and builds on the core values that make us great. Prior to this I worked in HR for the New Zealand Fire Service, overseeing the volunteer services division with 8,000 volunteer fire fighters across the country.
The year with Leadership NZ has been an exciting journey, challenging my inner selfies and making me step outside the comfort zone to engage with our environment and futuristic thinking. The fabulously diverse group of leaders in our cohort who come from so many different organization’s within NZ have enabled me to consider the wider implications of the day-to-day decision-making process and to truly awaken the leadership skills that are within all of us, making not just for an awakened leadership style for me but being able to share that with those around me.
CEO, Pinnacle Life Limited AUCKL AND
HEATHER CLARK
General Manager – Human Resources Presbyterian Support Northern AUCKL AND
Skills offered: Human resources; relationship management; coaching; leadership development
ISHULA STUART
Group Lead – Data Science, Inland Revenue CHRISTCHURCH
I am a qualified accountant and intelligence professional with experience working in the corporate and government sector in the UK and New Zealand. My career spans corporate finance, intelligence and data science. I have successfully motivated and have had the privilege to lead multiple teams of highly technical staff and am particularly passionate about growing our human capability alongside technological innovation. I am very much a “one-eyed Cantabrian” living in beautiful Christchurch with my husband and two young children. Skills offered: Leadership development, governance, change management, organisational development, project management, risk management
What has been wonderful from a personal level is to question the stories I hold on a personal level that have guided me for so long, challenging my internal paradigm and to identify a stronger more ‘intact’ perspective to move forward with. Current community involvement: Dress for Success
The NZ Leadership Programme has been an amazing experience for me that I know I will value and continue to gain from as my journey continues. I feel incredibly privileged to have been selected and have this opportunity to have journeyed with so many inspiring and talented leaders of our very own Aotearoa. This I will treasure for life! It challenged my own worldview of things and it awakened views and opinions of so much I had forgotten or was not conscious of. Awakened Leadership was our theme this year, and I never could have imagined my own awakening! I will be forever grateful to the Leadership NZ team for developing this fantastic programme that has allowed me to journey my own self-awareness as a human being and as a leader of Aotearoa.
YEARBOOK 2018
JANNINE MULLANY General Manager – People & Performance, Youthtown AUCKL AND
JOHN COLE
Area Manager, Building Construction Industry Training Organisation AUCKL AND
I began my career as a physiotherapist specialising in the treatment of work-related injuries. I then traversed through Health & Safety into generalist Human Resources roles where I have worked in a variety of businesses. My major areas of interest lie in organisational development, change management and developing leadership capability. I am passionate about creating inclusive work environments, where diversity is embraced and people are valued and supported to grow. I am also passionate about youth development, and my current role has allowed me to combine this interest with my career. I am mum to two “tween” girls – a role which continues to be my greatest youth development challenge! Skills offered: Organisational development, developing leadership/people capability, change management, staff engagement improvement
I originally came from Cape Town after serving 18 years in the South African Navy. I have been in New Zealand for nearly 18 years. Serving in the military gave me a great foundation in organisational behavior, management and leadership under the trying conditions of human combat. I have used these skills in array of positions, with the common element of growing people to achieve their full potential. I currently work in the field of building and construction apprenticeships, guiding a team to support young men and women on their learning journey to the final destination of graduating as a tradesman. I live in Auckland with Jane and our two children Greg and Ashleigh. Skills offered: Leadership development, change management, process improvement, organisational development, facilitation
I was born and raised in West Lancashire, UK. I fell in love with New Zealand whilst on my OE in 1993 and emigrated here three years later with my wife as newlyweds. Our children, Eva and Finn, now study in Auckland.
JOHN DOOLEY
Utilities Asset Performance Manager, Auckland Airport AUCKL AND
In the UK, I trained as a quantity surveyor and gained experience in building and civil engineering, mainly in Liverpool and Manchester. In New Zealand, I retrained in civil engineering and in 1999 joined Auckland Airport. My airport experience has progressed from project management through to utilities asset management. Gardening, fishing and family fill my spare time. Skills offered: Asset, risk and cost management
17
The NZ Leadership Programme is like no other leadership programme I have experienced. It is a journey which has challenged and developed me in ways I did not expect and deeply broadened my perspective and understanding of New Zealand’s social and economic environments. One of the wonderful gifts of this Programme is the diverse group of people it brings together. The wisdom shared by this group, as well as by the inspiring speakers and facilitators, all contribute to the Programme and create the ideal space to grow as a leader. I am excited about the future and the Programme has challenged me to think about how I can use my leadership skills to benefit Aotearoa. As I continue on my journey as a leader, I know that I will always cherish the learnings and experiences I gained through Leadership NZ. Current community involvement: Youth development; local school and sporting organisations
I’m intrigued by leadership. It is hard to define, but you know it when you see it. The NZ Leadership Programme has confirmed many leadership concepts for me, thwarted others and drawn me into new territory and paradigms. The Programme encourages you to delve into areas that one would not normally look into and then to be challenged by giving and getting feedback in conversation. As they say regarding holidays – “It’s more the people you meet on holiday, than the places you visit that gives you the lasting joyful memories.” The same holds true for the Programme. My fellow colleagues have come from a diverse range of backgrounds and fields. This diversity allows you to address all the colours and all the sizes of leadership. I have been privileged to be part of a group of people who will not only support but also hold me accountable to make this world a better place. Current community involvement: Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Parish Council for Our Lady Star of the Sea; Steering Group of the Tamaki Redevelopment Commission; Member of the Franklin Skills HUB.
For me, it has been a real privilege to be a part of the 2018 Leadership NZ journey. I am truly grateful to Auckland Airport for giving me this opportunity. This year I have walked among giants. Guest speakers, programme leaders and the 2018 cohort; they all shared their wisdom and experiences always with honesty, openness and authenticity. It’s been a challenging, often confronting voyage. We explored diverse topics from New Zealand’s past through to our future on this planet. We also went on our own inner journey, a deep dive of self-discovery and acceptance. We were given the techniques and tools to grow and to shine. As this year’s journey draws to an end, I look forward to the future – more confident, positive, open, ready and awake. Thank you, Leadership NZ.
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THE NEW ZEAL AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
KRISTINA COOPER
Quality Assurance & Policy Manager – Aeronautical, Auckland Airport
I was born in Taumarunui where both sides of my family farmed next to the Whanganui River. Ko Whanganui toku awa. Growing up experiencing rural and semi-rural New Zealand I strongly identify with helping New Zealand grow. I have been privileged to do this through working with Auckland Airport and its international airline partners for the past 16 years. Spending time with my family growing strong sons has also been an extremely important part of my life. Looking forward, I want to enable others to have the same educational opportunities I was fortunate to experience.
I leave the year with Leadership NZ more mindful than I entered it. More aware of my own values and foundations, more in tune with myself and my aspirations, more sure of where I can best make a difference to our communities. More aware of the importance of relationships and building common ground. More able to express, recognise and share my own vulnerabilities, strengths and emotions. More prepared to answer the phone! I am ready to set forth and become involved and make a difference where I am most able to and where I have a passion.
Skills offered: Legal, regulatory, governance, literacy support
AUCKL AND
LINDA TRACEY CLAY Chartered Accountant, Māori Women’s Development Inc.
I whakapapa to the Eastern Bay of Plenty tribes of Ngāti Pukeko and Te Whakatōhea, but grew up and live in Wellington. I’m a chartered accountant with 15 years’ experience. I was able to align my personal values and my professional life five years ago when I took on my current role as the Accountant at Māori Women’s Development Inc. My role includes managing the loan portfolio of the organisation and working directly with clients and their whānau. I am passionate about hauora and have completed a number of triathlon events in New Zealand and abroad – Ironman New Zealand 2016 being one of them. Skills offered: Financial, governance, training, risk management
WELLINGTON
MATALENA LEAUPEPE
Director – Government Centre Dispute Resolutions, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment WELLINGTON
I joined the public sector 13 years ago from the community sector. I wanted to have early input into decisions and processes that will ultimately impact on people’s lives on the ground. I saw the public sector and policy development as the place where I can make a difference at a systems level. I am passionate about the public service because it aligns with my own values of ‘tautua’ (service) fa’aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love). This sector provides me with a strong sense of purpose and the belief that I can make a difference for all New Zealanders, particularly for groups like Pacific who are often marginalised by the system. Skills offered: Strategic thinker, ability to bring strategy in touch with workable solutions, understanding of the machinery of government and policy process, practical application of Diversity and Inclusion across organisations and the system
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei – Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be a lofty mountain. The above whakatauki reflects my experience at Leadership NZ. Driving to our first retreat I was apprehensive about the journey ahead of me. I had to bow my head to a lofty mountain and allow it to flow through me. The discovery of one’s ‘self ’ has been the treasure that Leadership NZ has gifted me. The discovery, facilitated by Louise and her team and alongside a cohort of talented, committed and compassionate leaders, has made the experience transformational. Current community involvement: Board of Trustees - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna; Member of Triponeke - supporting Wellington IronMāori whānau; Trustee - Omataroa Rangitaiki 60B 10 B Trust
I came to Leadership NZ wanting to be challenged, to be inspired. I got more than that. The Programme has challenged and awakened me on so many levels. I have developed a much deeper appreciation of my own wisdom and leadership abilities. This helped me to step out of my comfort zone and led to starting a new role that I never would have considered for myself in the past. The process has given me the tools to connect more deeply with people and bring a sense of calm and clarity into situations that are often chaotic and overwhelming. The Leadership NZ experience is often hard to explain because it isn’t just about learning concepts that we already know. It is a fuller experience that includes your whole self, (head, heart, spirit) and pushes you to articulate and own the values that you bring with you. My leadership journey became more real at Leadership NZ. Faafetai tele lava. Current community involvement: Youth mentor
YEARBOOK 2018
MOHAMMED KAUSHAR
Acting Charge Nurse Manager, Counties Manukau District Health Board
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My nursing career began in February 2013 at Waitemata District Health Board, after completing my Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Manukau Institute of Technology.
Upon being selected to being part of the 2018 Programme, my understanding for my journey ahead was to learn how to be a better leader. However, my experiences over the year have taught me how to be a better person.
I worked at WDHB for one and half years and moved to Counties Manukau Health in 2014, after securing a role in the Renal Department where I have been for the last three years. I have gradually grown in my role to be the Acting Charge Nurse Manager of the Acute Renal Ward.
The rich and emotional conversations with people from all walks of life really gave me an insight on the different worldviews that people have. This, in turn, helped me to better understand my values and principles that I live and grow by each day. The Programme exceeded my expectations and helped me to deepen my connection with New Zealand – the land, sea and people. The impact it has on the way I think, do and react to situations is noticeable and also inspiring to others around me.
With the ever-changing world of nursing, I have completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing while continuing on the pathway of becoming a Nurse Practitioner in the coming years.
Leadership NZ in its own way has shown me that without continual growth and progress, words such as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.
AUCKL AND
NICOLA SEMENOFF
Portfolio Planning & Work Transformation Lead, Spark AUCKL AND/NORTHL AND
NISHA BLANCHARD Director - Tax, KPMG AUCKL AND
I am both tangata whenua (Te Rarawa) and tau iwi (Croatian and Russian descent). Leaving the Far North to study IT opened a pathway to a 25 year career across New Zealand, UK and Australia. For 10 years I’ve specialised in Portfolio Management directing strategic investment and managing programme offices (PMOs) in a range of sectors. Since 2016, I’ve been exploring the Future of Work for humans and prototyping new ways of working. My brain is wired for business, but my wairua is connected to our people. A child of Te Tai Tokerau, I am passionate about dedicating the next chapter to unleashing the potential in our rohe. Skills offered: Transformation and change management, strategic planning & implementation, portfolio & programme management, governance design, organisational business agility
I am a Kiwi, born in Palmerston North and raised in Auckland where I live today with my husband and two children. My current role is Director in KPMG’s Tax team, a team I’ve been part of for the past 13 years. No two days at KPMG are ever the same and tax itself is constantly evolving – which keeps life interesting! In my role, I’m fortunate to connect with many inspiring leaders, as well as many extremely bright and passionate people in the early stages of their career. Outside of the office, I enjoy the outdoors with my family, languages and travel. Skills offered: Taxation, people development, process improvement, risk management, mentoring
Leadership NZ has been a journey to my core, an exploration of my true values and a microscope over my world view, at times uncomfortable, having to deeply assess who benefits from my perspective and inversely who does not. The themes, readings and speakers exposed us to information so compelling, once learnt it cannot be ignored. This is the magic of Leadership NZ: deep exploration of self, the curation of a talented, generous cohort, a new whānaunga with wildly diverse thoughts, ready to challenge and explore. For me personally, the Programme has been a call to action coupled with a more reflective way of learning to be my best self. Leadership NZ crafts leaders willing to use their talents, newly acquired skills and leadership practices to advance Aotearoa’s future. This Programme has been a transformational experience rich with insights, uncomfortable truths and so many laughs shared with truly wonderful New Zealanders.
Everybody has a story. To be privileged enough to truly see, hear and accept others’ stories, we have to be prepared to be vulnerable ourselves, to listen more than we speak and to be comfortable with discomfort. These are the skills of an inspiring leader. When you truly understand someone else’s story, it is much easier to accept and work with their perspectives and opinions. Preconceived ideas and views disappear, the conversation is real, all voices are heard and the discussion can be pointed, challenging and efficient at the same time. I am immensely grateful to Leadership NZ and, in particular, to my cohort for providing a safe space to grow and challenge each other respectfully, for hearing my story, for sharing theirs and for being prepared to accept different perspectives with grace.
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THE NEW ZEAL AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
The best part of my legal career has been advocating on behalf of vulnerable families with a focus on children and young people in the Family and Youth Courts. More recently, I have developed a practice for people struggling with addictions and their experiences in the criminal justice system.
SANDRA ALOFIVAE Barrister Sole AUCKL AND
SARA JANE ELIKA Director/Consultant Elika Consulting Group AUCKL AND
SCOTT FORD
General Manager – South Island, Downer Group CHRISTCHURCH
I balance my family law practice with corporate governance work. Being able to apply relevant insights at board level to influence better outcomes is something I am very passionate about. I am a Mother of four, married to an exceptional man and proud owner of a very big tabby cat.
When I reflect on my journey through Leadership NZ over the last 10 months I am grateful and happily amused at some of the learnings and insights gleaned on the way. I have laughed at being able to now “name” tools that I was already using but not cognisant of. I have also learnt new tools. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first entered the Programme, but what I am leaving with has enriched my life in so many ways–an exceptional network of friends, whom I would be proud to work collaboratively with in the future. I have had the privilege to go on retreats with some wonderful energised people who are committed to creating a better Aotearoa and world.
Skills offered: Governance; legal; leadership development; mentoring; community engagement
I’m a proud New Zealand born Kiwi/ Samoan who has a passion for music. This has gained national and international recognition for contemporary Pacific entertainment and academia. For 18 years I’ve worked as a performer involved in creative enterprise whilst becoming an admitted Barrister and Solicitor to the High Court of New Zealand. Currently I consultant across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. I enjoy working with clients to achieve their goals and inspiration through innovation. My career has evolved to governance including the Ministerial-appointed National Pacific Radio Trust. I love living life alongside my husband and four young kids. Skills offered: Governance, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, cultural intelligence, public speaking
I have worked for Downer for 19 years, inclusive of a two year sabbatical working in the UK. I started working as a general operative, and progressed through supervision and contract management before becoming a General Manager four years ago. Being responsible for around 600 staff in the South Island has been a privilege. With a unique blend of technical and people skills, I have been looking forward to challenging myself on how I can be a better leader for my team. I have enjoyed the last two to three years of Tasman Rugby governance, gaining new experiences as an independent director. Skills offered: Change management, financial and commercial acumen, strategic planning, risk management & people development
I am so blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the most amazing people in this year’s cohort. They are extraordinary leaders in each of their fields whose My Lives have had an authentic and heart-filled message to go out and live to the fullest, even when the odds are against you and obstacles are constantly in your path. Keywords and learnings for me include: resilience, triggers, inner selfies, space, environment, journaling and being in the moment. This Programme has provided a unique pathway to engage, explore and understand the many different sectors and industries that make New Zealand what it is today and yet be challenged to create and shape the future as we move forward. I am truly humbled and proud to be a part of the 2018 programme and graduate a stronger, more selfassured woman. Thank you, Fa’afetai tele lava! Current community involvement: Community Law Services South Trust (Chair People & Culture Committee); Word For You Trust Board (Chair); NZRL’s League 4 Life Foundation (Chair, People & Governance); Mata’aga Aoga Amata Early Childhood Education Centre Board Trustee
The last year has flown past, and it has been one hell of a ride. There have been some ups and downs, but The NZ Leadership Programme has certainly provided some very memorable ups. I have met and built some awesome relationships with some real cool Leadership NZ whānau. My thinking has been challenged on a number of occasions, and I have learnt some new and fresh approaches that I have already started implementing at work and at home. This has had some good results and I am now very conscious of the way my leadership can affect others. Of important note is the gradual improvement of my family dynamics through my new learned way of engaging. Through the Programme I have reignited some passion for things that are important to me, such as the environment. I have realised that lots of small steps can lead to big change: it is a matter of showing some conviction and leading the way. Current community involvement: Supporting my children’s sports and schools; Director of Tasman Rugby; community rugby as a key passion area
YEARBOOK 2018
SIMON WHITTAKER Head of Collection Services, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
I was born in wonderful Aotearoa and raised in Pōneke, Wellington. I studied science at Victoria University, graduating with a postgraduate degree. My career in museology was more by accident than design, and hence I feel incredibly privileged to have worked at New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, for the past 18 years. I have held various positions over that time and today have responsibility for a specialist team who care for our natural history and humanities collections. I love seeing people reach their full potential and getting excited about their work, particularly when connecting people, taonga and stories. Skills offered: People management, process improvement, museological practice, coaching
WELLINGTON
TRACIE SHIPTON
National Operations Manager, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai AUCKL AND
Mother, foster mother, social worker and manager, I have led the social sector (NGO) for many years and have been a strenuous protagonist for getting the voice of children in care to be heard in the care system and reflected in practice. Reducing stigma and creating involved communities of care for children makes me get up each day! I have the privilege of working and living with children in care so my leadership journey has been a rewarding, hands-on experience. I have a background that spans aged care, residential care and foster care. I have enjoyed building skills in training and facilitation. Having been the Director of the Dingwall Trust for many years, I am now the National Operations Manager for VOYCE Whakarongo Mai.
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Reflecting on completing The NZ Leadership Programme, I’m in awe of the journey I’ve been privileged to be part of this year, along with my amazing and inspiring cohort. Framing of the Programme around exploring big contemporary issues definitely rekindled my interest in the leadership challenges faced by Aotearoa. Travelling to different parts of the country and having the rare opportunity to listen to community and industry leaders speak on their topics of interest has been incredibly rewarding. I came into the Programme shy, with an open mind and willingness, but not really knowing what to expect. The ‘not knowing’ was scary but learning to feel safe beyond my boundaries has given me the growth I’ve needed. I’ve gained value from exploring my own whakapapa, learning how to be open-hearted and better appreciating that everyone has a story and vulnerabilities. I feel like I have started to reconnect with my inner and emotional self this year and look forward to continuing that exciting journey.
Having spent a large portion of my working life working in the care and protection sector, I have been profoundly affected by the disenfranchisement of the children in the care system in Aotearoa. My work in this sector has been about advocacy on behalf of, with and for children. One of my greatest pleasures was the process of co-designing the advocacy agency, VOYCE Whakorongo Mai, for children in care with young people. Leadership NZ has strengthened my desire to follow my dreams and take risks to find where I can make the most difference. The connection, learning and exposure to the journeys of others and the level of introspection required to understand my career and aspirations have given me the courage to seek further challenges. It has been an amazing awakening to lead more and do more.
Skills offered: Governance, community engagement, leadership development, policy development, public speaker, rights advocate
I was raised in Whangamata, a tiny, isolated, yet beautiful place. That left me with a strong sense of community and whānau. Due to this I have spent a lot of time volunteering and working in the youth development sector.
VICKI HAWKINS
Regional Development Manager, SCOUTS New Zealand AUCKL AND
My role with SCOUTS New Zealand has offered me a platform to provide opportunities for other young New Zealanders to help them thrive. My youth was cluttered with a treasure chest of opportunities, and I feel a strong calling to give back in any way I can. To get away, I love to go on hikes or take a book to the beach. Skills offered: Change management, event planning, facilitation, youth leadership development
At the beginning of this journey, I didn’t know what to think. I had built up a few expectations in my mind of what I might be getting myself into and felt apprehensive about whether the Programme was for me. Day one of the first Retreat blew all of my expectations out of the water! Now I look back on the year, and I’ve noticed how differently I look at the world. I no longer get comfort in the mediocre, and I am finding myself yearning for the extraordinary. Morning has broken Listen to the birdsong, My eyes are open Heart pounding strong, A thousand step journey ahead Time to get out of bed Current community involvement: Volunteer with St John
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Tracie Shipton
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Anya Satyanand, Matalena Leaupepe and Linda Clay
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Kristina Cooper and Ishula Stuart
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Waiheke Retreat
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Syndicate 5, Hanmer Springs
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Alone together
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Thermal Pools, Hanmer Springs
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The Beginning
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Dale Harnett and Heather Clark
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Sandra Alofivae
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Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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Dan Neely and Nisha Blanchard
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Jon Cole and Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger
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Gillian Vaughan
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Kohewhata Marae
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Sara Jane Elika, Louise Marra and Matalena Leaupepe
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Jannine Mullany and Catherine Redmond
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Eoghan Walsh and John Dooley
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Christchurch Walk
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Opening Retreat, Northridge, Silverdale
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Briarley Birch with land art
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Damian Willems with land art
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Nicola Semenoff and John Dooley
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Catherine Redmond, Vicki Hawkins and Judy Whiteman
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Syndicate 1, Opening Retreat
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The 2018 cohort at Kohewhata Marae
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Linda Clay, Mohammed Kaushar, Anya Satyanand, Dan Neely and Eoghan Walsh
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Desi Ramoo and Sara Jane Elika
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Eoghan Walsh, Linda Clay and Dave Riches
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Emily Harris, Chloe Harwood, Anya Satyanand and Matalena Leaupepe
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DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE 2018
A N AWAKENE D LE ADE RSHIP EX PER IENC E This year’s Dinner with a Difference linked to our yearlong theme of “Awakened Leadership” and explored how we prepare ourselves, our people and our organisations to adapt, respond and drive change in the face of automation, AI and unknown technological advances. As leaders we need to look into our hearts and minds, think about morality and ethics in the face of the unknown and to call out and address the place for and misuse of technology in the workforce. Futurist, innovator and strategist Dave Wild was our talented MC and guided the conversation with leading thought leaders, including Justin Flitter, Jerome Faury, Amanda Judd, Chris Trigg and Lillian Grace. Sincere thanks to our generous partners: AUT University; Curative; Tupu Toa, Kerridge & Partners, Oyster Workshop and Dave Wild.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS Interviewed by Alistair Kwun
ERENA KARA
L E A DE R S HIP N Z A L UMN A (20 13 )
Since completing The NZ Leadership Programme in 2013, what has happened for you?
Community involvement is central to Leadership NZ’s ethos. What is your involvement in the wider community?
The most significant event since completing the Programme was adding to my whānau and bringing my pēpi Rawhiti into our lives. This came at a time when there were changes in my career. I had stepped into the role of Acting CEO for Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi, which was experiencing major challenges at that time. In addition, I started the 405 Gym in Kaikohekohe. It is my home away from home and where I can breathe. Run by nine friends with no external funding, volunteers offer their time to run sessions with our members in Kaikohe and Kaeo. What I love most is seeing members’ confidence grow in all aspects of their lives.
My community involvement is always kaupapaand whānau-driven. Kaikohekohe is a small town with a huge heart and so much to give to the world. The best way I can support our whānau is in their hauora journey. I do this through our 405 Gym. I have seen the positive effects it has had on so many of our 405 whānau. They are enjoying physical activity more and are more confident in themselves: this flows back into their household. Volunteering feels great on many levels, but I’ve learnt you need to understand your energy levels and build a talented team to navigate the ebbs and flows.
What skills did the Programme offer that you have used to create value for your organisation? The theme for my Leadership NZ year was Disruptive Leadership. I had very fixed mindsets on the world, so my challenge was to step out of the boundaries I had set for myself in order to view the world through other lenses. The single most important thing I learnt from the Programme was to be mindful of the intuition that comes from your puku (gut) and your ngākau (heart). These have all opened up diverse opportunities for our organisation.
This year’s theme is Awakened Leadership in the Future of Work. What does this mean to you? When I think of Awakened Leadership, I think of my grandmother. She always planted by the moon (maramataka), she knew the seasons, the best times to harvest and to make jam. My father is the same – he knows the patterns of the birds as well as the changes in the trees and the land. For me, this is being woke and observing what is happening around you. The maramataka is a fantastic piece of technology to learn from. If you couple this traditional knowledge with the modern technology out there, great things can happen. We need to be brave in our own knowledge systems and courageous in the face of failure.
What has been your biggest challenge to date? The biggest challenge I have had is remembering to block out the noise. As an introvert, it’s easy to be so captured by everything around you that you can lose sight of the direction in which you want to head. When I finished the Programme, I started to explore my practice as an introverted leader.
KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING MYSELF, ESPECIALLY BEING COMFORTABLE WITH WHO I AM DEEP DOWN, HAS HELPED ME THROUGH MY BIGGEST CHALLENGES. If you had one piece of advice for future leaders, what would it be? He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
Erena Kara is General Manager – Development, Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi.
YEARBOOK 2018
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS Interviewed by Alistair Kwun
ADAM COOPER
L E A DE R S HIP N Z A L UMNU S (2012) What has happened since you completed The NZ Leadership Programme in 2012? After the Programme, I have tackled two significant life challenges. The first has been recovering from a severe health incident which ignited my curiosity in holistic ways of existing and how we use ‘whole body intelligence’ to navigate the world. The second involved aligning the investment of time more closely with my interests and values. I left a public sector leadership role and started my own enterprise, Creative Leadership, which allows me to work in broader ways on purposeful projects. I influence and serve the same systems, but from different angles. This includes collaborating with Leadership NZ alumni. How has the Programme influenced you and shaped your influence of others? The Programme shifted the questions I was asking about the world and my role in it. I learnt to be a bolder learner and a better listener. I gained a greater appreciation of our history as well as the challenges and opportunities this country faces. This was a mild wake-up call which blossomed into a desire to make contributions that aligned with my strengths, identity and passions. The collective aspect of the Programme ignited my curiosity around how our differences can carry a positive impact. In the corporate world, “groupthink” ensures workers are in constant harmony. Diversity is not leveraged so teams
learn or achieve something new. I am now more interested in working slowly with people, achieving progress through curiosity, learning and mutual aspirations. What is the single most important thing you’ve learned from your experience on the Programme? The Programme opened the door to explore working more deliberately with the power of place. A few years ago, I visited the office of a Programme colleague and saw a poster on the wall which read: “The opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is connection.” In that moment, I realised the challenge I wanted to tackle was cultivating social cohesion and humanity. Since then, I have spent more time in and with communities, appreciating the undervalued capacity of our small towns and homes. At the same time, I grew more interested in the power of place to address pockets of relational poverty that lie unharnessed inside systems and institutions which are devoid of connection, soul and meaning. Have the skills acquired through the Programme helped you tackle any challenge to date? The Programme inspires me to keep challenging the rules and ‘learn by doing.’ I drew a lot on the encouragement and strength that came from my cohort year when I was recovering from my back injury.
In addition, the connections forged with other alumni have been instrumental in moving me in a new direction – from a defined career path towards a more entrepreneurial and vocational one. What is your current involvement in the wider community? My company has a commitment to community work in education, youth development and crisis support. We support leaders around governance, coaching and learning pathways. Recently, we have hosted events to investigate how family homes can be used as a resource for community building. One insight is that we should never underestimate the power of small actions taken consistently over time. This year’s theme is Awakened Leadership in the Future of Work. What does this mean to you? Awakened Leadership means learning to be more conscious. It means being purposeful in our thoughts and beliefs, challenging the status quo and understanding those invisible forces that shape our decisions. If you had one piece of advice for future leaders what would it be? Embrace curiosity as a superpower.
Adam Cooper is Director, Creative Leadership.
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EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE Downer Group Interviewed by Alistair Kwun
LEADERSHIP IN CONNECTED COMMUNITIES How did the relationship with Leadership NZ start? Downer has been committed to Leadership NZ since 2009. I was very pleased to discover on joining the company that there was a long term relationship in place. Since then, I have been engaging with this unique organisation as I too share the view that New Zealand requires high quality leaders in order to grow and thrive as a country. Why has Downer invested in Leadership NZ? What is at the core of it? I would say we have invested in the development of our people in many ways, but the NZ Leadership Programme is especially aligned to Downer’s values and key pillars. Demonstrating active leadership in a connected community reflects the role Downer has played in the many communities in which it is engaged. We focus on relationships to create success, and our purpose is to create and sustain the modern environment by building trusted relationships. One of the supporting pillars is thought leadership which in turn comes from diversity of thought – a core focus of Leadership NZ. Has the Programme opened up a more compelling internal engagement?
Have you noticed any shifts in perspective with those you place on the Programme?
Following their experience on the Programme, participants have all, in their own way, shared their learnings and experiences internally. They are huge advocates of the experience, and many have become active alumni. One participant has shared he was very proud to represent Downer knowing that previous leaders who had participated were clearly respected and upheld as role models.
There are common themes that participants share when they discuss the Programme with me. Firstly, they feel most grateful for the opportunity. They consistently describe being challenged, initially not in a totally positive way, but by the end they recognise the huge benefits they have gained. It can be personally confronting at times, but the opportunity to step out of themselves in a safe and supportive environment and to be challenged around the impact of their decision-making and behavior has had a profound impact. We are an increasingly diverse country, and diversity for us brings new perspectives. This is one of the real strengths of the Programme: it enables people to encounter difference.
What professional outcomes has the Programme delivered to your business? Participants are selected carefully based on specific development needs and a view on the benefits that we hope to gain. In every case, we have seen noticeable changes in individuals. These changes are a mix of expected and unexpected. As leaders of people, the development effort invested in these people also benefits their wider teams.
Jan O’Neill is Executive General Manager – People and Culture at Downer Group.
OUR SINCERE THANKS... ORGANISATIONAL PARTNERS
PROGRAMME & EVENT SPEAKERS
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING
Key Partner ACC
We thank all speakers for their generosity in giving their time and themselves; they are the backbone of Leadership NZ. Speakers are listed in the Programme Overview and in the Events Overview.
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All invited authors, contributors and people who gave their time to be interviewed for this publication
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The editorial team
Dinner with a Difference Partners AUT, Curative
EVENT & PROGRAMME HOSTS/CONTRIBUTORS
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Programme Event Partner
Special thanks to the following who have assisted us in providing event venues, donated goods, services, catering or valuable time:
The team at Curative – for editing and publishing of this magazine, and development and support of our new Programme marketing material
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Leadership NZ Alumni who gave their time, talents and energy at various events, alumni activities and Community Engagement & SkillsBank projects
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Leadership NZ Trustees, Ambassadors and Funding Partners - for their ongoing support and invaluable advice
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Simon Telfer, Appoint – for support advertising SkillsBank board vacancies
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KPMG – for hosting our Programme launch and annual audit support
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Foundation North
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Kerridge & Partners, Tupu Toa, Dave Wild and Oyster Workshop - for supporting Dinner with a Difference
Creative Partner Curative Community Partner Supporting Partners
Foundation North Altris, KPMG Q Theatre
SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS
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Kohewahta Marae
Special thanks to the following who assist to ensure that diversity continues to be achieved across the NZ Leadership Programme through the generous funding of scholarships:
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James Wilson (Alumnus), Q Theatre
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George Riley (Alumnus), Northland Inc
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Dave Wild and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
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Peter Fenton, Megan Hurnard and Mark Langdon (Alumni), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
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Christian Penny, (Alumnus) Toi Whakaari
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Quentin McCarthy (Alumnus), Downer
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Janine Sudbury
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John Hodgkin (Alumnus), Ravensdown
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Rob Kerr (Alumnus) and Don Miskell
Counties Manukau Health Diversity Scholarship
SHAPE OUR FUTURE Imagine a fully connected, authentic and diverse leadership culture across New Zealand. We’ve been doing it since 2003. Each year, we select a cross-section of leadership talent and voices that represent the diverse nature of our nation.
AP P L ICATIONS NOW OPE N leadershipnz.co.nz
The New Zealand Leadership Programme will: ►► Examine and test values, worldviews and assumptions ►► Build leadership capabilities to meet 21st Century challenges ►► Broaden horizons through unique personal and professional approaches ►► Explore new ways of thinking, developing the cultural intelligence needed by leaders of tomorrow ►► Build networks beyond professional practice ►► Apply leadership to make a difference in your organisation and community ►► Develop an in-depth societal awareness ►► Build confidence to step forward and create change ►► Grow a greater confidence in growing others
KEY PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
CREATIVE PARTNER
COMMUNITY PARTNER