What does this event cover
The Australasian Management Challenge has been a leading professional development program in local government across Australia and New Zealand for over 30 years. It is a simulation-based team-building, learning, and networking experience focused on real local government challenges.
During Challenge Day, teams are presented with a series of scenarios and tasks that require strategic thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. The program helps participants strengthen skills in leadership, analytics, communication, negotiation, decision-making, and presentation.
You’re viewing details for the North Island Challenge (24 April 2026). A separate South Island Challenge will be held on 22 April 2026 — explore that event.
Both regional winners will represent Aotearoa in the Australasian Grand Final.
Early Bird Registrations
Secure your team’s spot and save! Early bird registrations for the 2026 North Island Challenge close 19 December 2025. Don’t miss the chance to get ahead and guarantee your place at this years challange.
Overview
The North Island Challenge will bring together councils from across Te Waipounamu for two days of learning, collaboration, and competition.
How the Challenge Works
- Work in local government? Get a team together (5–6 excluding your mentor).
- Appoint a mentor from your council to assist the development of your team.
- Work together on a real-world, pre-challenge task.
- Test your skills and creativity against other teams in an exciting, one-day regional challenge.
- Get feedback on your performance from professionals in the sector.
- Regional winners go on to compete against the best of the best at the Australasian Final.
South Island Key Dates
- Early bird registrations close: 19 2025
- Registrations close: 27 February 2026
- Pre-Challenge Task released: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
- Pre-Challenge Task due: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
- North Island leg of the Challenge: Thursday, 23 April 2026
- Australasian Final: August 2026
Find out more
More information on the Management Challenge is available in this brochure or on the Management Challenge website.
If you have any questions regarding the Australasian Management Challenge please let us know at events@taituara.org.nz.
