“Courageous Leadership means creating space for others to be heard, it means truly listening to others, even if their opinions or thoughts differ from your own.“

In the final of our New Zealand Leadership Programme Class of 2023 reflections, Sinead Cahill-Fahey reflects on where she has landed as a leader for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I arrived into the seventh and final retreat exhausted by an ornate year. As per the previous retreats, I felt a strong sense of calm as soon as we entered our opening circle. The noise of the hustle and bustle dissipated as I began to reflect on my journey with the NZLP Cohort of 2023.”

Doyle Matautia reflects on his final retreat with the New Zealand Leadership Programme for 2023.

“Leadership is not only about what you achieve today but what legacy you are leaving for your mokopuna.”

Class of 2023 graduate Rizwaana Latiff reflects on her leadership journey with the New Zealand Leadership Programme, and what it means to have the courage to lead authentically.

“As our Courageous Leadership goals state, we are our wisest selves when we are our calmest selves.”

JODINE LAING shares her reflections following The New Zealand Leadership Programme Class of 2023’s Te Taiao Environmental Retreat.

“From the rewriting of history, to the blatant exploitation of resources and disregard for nature, I left this retreat a little ashamed of my past indifference, but most importantly, with a strong sense of purpose.”

“How will our tamariki experience Te Taio in the future? How will we ensure our future generations lead with a wild heart and how can I expect to lead while concealing my own?”

Following our retreat focused on Te Taiao (The Environment), LEIGH LEFALE reflects on what has been emerging for her, as a participant of The New Zealand Leadership Programme Class of 2023.

“NZLP has given me the safe space and validation to unpack these thoughts and, more importantly, check in with myself.”

“I feel so privileged to be on this program with an amazing group of people, this is a leadership program like no other and it is certainly making me feel and think differently with every retreat.”

NICK HENZELL shares his experience of being on Te Taiao—Our Environment retreat for the New Zealand Leadership Programme 2023.

“The programme I am on with Leadership New Zealand is not what I was expecting. Instead, it has been an emotional but inspiring journey initiated through confronting topics and uncomfortable conversations.”

FLOSS TE OHAERE shares her whakaaro following the New Zealand Leadership Programme 2023’s third retreat in Te Tai Tokerau.

“[This] retreat has awakened my mind to new possibilities and ideas. The combination of trust, vulnerability, and learning has provided a unique space for personal growth and self-discovery.”

PADMA AKULA reflects on how acknowledging historical realities had a transformative and grounding impact on her leadership during her third retreat on the New Zealand Leadership Programme 2023.

“I am still surprised by how deep I was able to go in that moment, and the rawness of my emotions. By stepping forward and speaking up about my greatest fear, I was able to see it for what it is, and see myself for who I am.”

KRIS LAL shares his experience of the New Zealand Leadership Programme’s second retreat for 2023.

“The second retreat asked me to name what I need to ‘unstick’ myself. It invited me to interrogate what sits at the centre of my motivation and drive. What exactly is the difference I want to make? And what do I need to get it done?”

RHION MUNRO shares his process of reflection following the second retreat of the New Zealand Leadership Programme 2023.