Who should join
What it covers
This program equips participants with essential skills to effectively address the unique challenges faced in their roles. Join us to enhance your leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Programme overview
Block 1 - Connection & Purpose
In this first block, you’ll connect with your cohort, explore the critical attributes of effective local government leaders, and reflect on your own leadership strengths. You’ll build a shared sense of purpose, develop a growth mindset, and shape the emotional culture you want to create in your team.
We will delve into the core principles of democracy and governance in local government and develop techniques for being open to a diverse range of perspectives.
Block length: 2 in-person full days
Includes: Online connect and programme overview, guest speakers & case studies
Key learning topics
- Shaping our culture for success
- Fostering a growth mindset
- Understand leadership in a local government context
- Democracy and governance in local government
- Serving a diverse public
Block 2 - Navigating Relationships
In this block, you’ll strengthen your political acumen and confidence in navigating the relationship between elected members and management.
It begins with a Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Local Government workshop — a focused fourhour session that explores what Te Tiriti means for leadership in council contexts.
You’ll also build skills in partnership, influence, and negotiation to work effectively with iwi, community, and sector stakeholders.
Block length: 2.5 in-person full days
Includes: Guest speakers & case studies
Key learning topics
- Developing political acumen
- Understanding the relationship between elected members and
management - Partnership building in local government
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Local Government
Block 3 - Navigating Change
In the final block, you’ll strengthen your ability to make sound, transparent decisions through good governance and risk management. You’ll build practical confidence in local government finance, learning how to navigate budgets and trade-offs. You’ll also explore how to lead your team through change, and develop the resilience and adaptability to sustain yourself and others in complex times.
Block length: 2 in-person full days
Includes: Guest speakers & case studies
Key learning topics
- Governance and risk in local government
- Key financial principles
- Leading change in local government
- Building resilience and adaptability
Your facilitator and guest speakers
Mat Kearney
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.