Event: Management Challenge - South Island - Taitaurā - Local Government Professionals Aotearoa

Join council teams across South Island for hands-on leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving, push boundaries, grow skills, and challenge yourself.

Date

Tue 21 Apr 2026 3:00pm – Wed 22 Apr 2026 5:00pm

Location

Ōtautahi Christchurch, Ōtautahi Christchurch

Format

Management Challenge

Cost

$6,440 excl GST for members

$6,440 excl GST for non members

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 South Island Challenge (21–22 April 2026). A separate North Island Challenge will be held on 23–24 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 South Island Challenge close 19 December 2025. Don’t miss the chance to get ahead and guarantee your place at this years challange.

Overview

The South 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.