2026 New Zealand Leadership Programme
For more than two decades, Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa Leadership New Zealand has brought together leaders from across Aotearoa to grow their leadership capability so that together, they can help shape the future of Aotearoa.
Over 23 years, 21 cohorts and more than 650 alumni have formed a powerful and connected leadership community across sectors, industries and regions, with each cohort carefully selected to reflect the diversity of our nation.
Recently, we paused. We listened to our alumni and spoke with respected leaders across Aotearoa to reflect on what leadership now requires in a world that is more disrupted, more dynamic and more connected than ever before; a world in which we need to lead with agility and adaptability. The result is a thoughtful refresh of our flagship programme. Built on over two decades of experience, this is an evolution that honours what makes the programme unique while strengthening its relevance for the future.
about the Programme
Designed for senior leaders, the New Zealand Leadership Programme explores leadership in a globally connected world, grounded in the unique context of Aotearoa. Global shifts shape our economy, international events influence our communities and technology collapses distance as ideas move rapidly across borders. Today’s leaders must be able to connect the local and the global. They must understand how these forces shape their organisation, their people and our nation.
At the same time, this programme recognises that a leader here in Aotearoa requires an understanding of our history, our bicultural foundations, the diverse communities that make up our nation and the relational nature of our society. Leadership in Aotearoa calls for cultural intelligence, collaboration and the ability to hold diverse perspectives with respect.
Grounded in Aotearoa. Connected to the world.
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?
The New Zealand Leadership Programme is designed for leaders who want to contribute not only to their organisation, but to the future of Aotearoa.
Participants typically:
Hold positions of strategic influence (usually with 10+ years’ experience)
Demonstrate strong leadership capability and potential
Are committed to the future of Aotearoa New Zealand
Are open to challenge, growth and diverse perspectives
Are based in Aotearoa and prepared to remain engaged beyond the programme
Can fully participate for the duration of the programme
Together, these leaders form a cohort who will stay connected with each other and with the extensive alumni network that has come before them.
2026 PROGRAMME DETAILS
RETREAT DATES
The programme is delivered through four immersive four-day retreats, supported by online learning sessions between each retreat.
Retreat 1: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 June 2026 (4 days)
Retreat 2: Te Tai Tokerau Northland - Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 August 2026 (4 days)
Retreat 3: Pōneke Wellington - Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 October 2026 (4 days)
Retreat 4: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 December 2026 (4 days)
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?
This is a programme designed by leaders, for leaders. It brings together insight from some of New Zealand’s most respected leadership voices and combines it with space for deep individual reflection and development.
Participants strengthen their ability to:
Lead adaptively in uncertain and changing environments
Engage in courageous and constructive conversations
Work collaboratively across difference
Create momentum while ensuring people feel heard
Navigate complexity with clarity and confidence
Lead with purpose and heart
Participants learn from experienced leaders. They learn from one another. And importantly, they learn about themselves.
VALUE FOR ORGANISATIONS
For CEOs and senior leaders, the programme offers more than professional development. It strengthens the quality of leadership within your organisation and contributes to the broader leadership ecosystem of Aotearoa. It crafts leaders who can lead and collaborate in the unique environment that is ours.
Participants return with:
A deeper understanding of leadership in the Aotearoa context
Enhanced capability to lead change, applying strategic thinking and adaptive leadership to navigate complexity and rapid change
The confidence and capability to influence across sectors, partnering and innovating to help shape the future of Aotearoa
Stronger relational leadership skills, enabling collaboration across organisations, sectors, systems and diversity.
An expanded cross-sector network and the ability to build and leverage strategic relationships
Greater self-awareness and clarity about their own leadership style and impact
The confidence to lead with authenticity, integrity and mana across boundaries and cultural diversity
Cultural intelligence and personal presence to lead with calm, strength and purpose in complex environments
A deeper understanding of their role in influencing systems and contributing to Aotearoa’s future
This is an investment not only in performance, but in perspective, personal transformation, and ongoing influential connections.
Some organisations who have trusted us with their leaders:
Investment
The overall investment is structured across three components: the programme fee, accommodation and catering, and a personal participant contribution that reflects each leader’s commitment to the journey.
Fee Structure:
Programme Fee - $14,500 + GST
Accommodation (including food) - $4,000 + GST
Personal Commitment Fee - $1,000 + GST
TOTAL - $19,500 + GST
ACCOMMODATION
Standard accommodation pricing includes twin share accommodation. We have a limited number of single-room packages available, for an additional fee. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the single accommodation supplement does not apply to the two night marae stay.
Single Room Package - Additional $500 + GST
How to Apply
Step 1: Application Form - you can complete this online here.
Step 2: Online Interview - one of the team from Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa Leadership New Zealand will be in touch to arrange this once your application has been processed.
Step 3: Accepted Applications - should your application be successful, our team will be in touch with an offer of placement to the programme together with the links to the programme onboarding documents.
Applications Close - May 2026 or when the Programme is fully commited.
2026 New Zealand Leadership Programme Begins - Tuesday 9 June 2026
is NOW your time?
Whether you're exploring the programme or ready to apply, there are a few ways to move forward.
Learn more - Have a question or want to talk things through? Send us an email at recruitment@leadershipnz.co.nz with your questions or to book a call with one of our team.
Apply - Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Complete the application form here.
If now is your time, let’s start the conversation.
About Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa Leadership New Zealand
For over 23 years, the purpose of Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa Leadership New Zealand, has been to grow a connected community of diverse, collaborative, purposeful leaders effecting positive change across Aotearoa.
Our signature programme, the New Zealand Leadership Programme (NZLP), is a unique, immersive leadership programme, distinctively grounded in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Our alumni network includes more than 750 leaders from across the motu, with over 650 having participated in the New Zealand Leadership Programme.
Pūmanawa Kaiārahi o Aotearoa Leadership New Zealand brings together diverse leaders from every sector and corner of Aotearoa, challenged with making a difference for the better in the communities in which they live, work and play. Our programmes aim to build a movement of diverse alumni with multicultural connections, a sharpened sense of purpose, and the tools, practices, and competencies to lead and suceed in an uncertain world.