What does this event cover
A 6.5-day, three-block programme over three months for experienced functional and operational leaders who run a business unit or function. Participants strengthen people leadership, political acumen, and partnership skills, while building capability in governance, finance, risk, and change. The design blends expert input, local government case studies, and between-block application so leaders convert learning into measurable performance.
Who is it for
Experienced functional or operational people leaders with significant influence over a business function or unit.
What you will gain
- Clarity of purpose and culture shaping tools for high performance in council contexts.
- Confident navigation of relationships across elected members, executives, peers, providers, and community partners.
- Practical governance literacy, including local democracy, Te Tiriti obligations, and serving a diverse public.
- Change leadership skills that reduce friction, increase buy-in, and sustain momentum.
- Financial and risk basics for better decisions and trade-offs.
- Resilience and adaptability practices to protect energy and team wellbeing.
How it works
Format: 6.5 days across 3 months, mixing in-person and online sessions with structured reflection.
Programme structure at a glance
- Block 1: Connection and purpose. Culture for success, growth mindset, leadership in LG, democracy and governance, serving a diverse public, Te Tiriti in LG.
- Online between Blocks 1–2: Te Tiriti application session as a cohort.
- Block 2: Starts with a Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Local Government workshop and builds political acumen, confidence, and skills in partnership, influence, and negotiation.
- Block 3: Navigating change, governance and risk, key financial principles, l
- Leading change, and building resilience and adaptability.
Lead with clarity at enterprise level – take charge of your career and secure your place today!
Times and Dates
Block One
Wednesday 29 April – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday 30 April – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Block Two
Tuesday 9 June – 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday 10 June – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday 11 June – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Block Three
Wednesday 22 July – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday 23 July – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lead with clarity at enterprise level – take charge of your career and secure your place today!
Where is this event
Programme overview
Your facilators and guest speakers
Mat Kearney
With over 20 years’ experience in leadership development, change management, organisational design, and people and culture strategy, Mat brings both expertise and genuine care for people. He helps leaders build high-performing teams, navigate change with humanity, and deliver transformative results.
