Who should join
What it covers
Leading in local government brings challenges that are different from those faced in many other organisations. Leaders must support their people and deliver services, all while navigating democratic processes, political relationships, community expectations, and ongoing change.
This practical programme helps experienced functional and operational people leaders develop their leadership practice and deepen their understanding of the wider local government environment. Participants learn alongside peers, explore realistic council situations and consider how to apply the learning in their own roles.
2027 cohorts
The seven-day programme will run across three blocks, with cohorts running in Wellington and Hamilton.
Wellington cohort
| Block | Dates |
| Block 1 | Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 February 2027 |
| Block 2 | Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March 2027 |
| Block 3 | Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 May 2027 |
Hamilton cohort
| Block | Dates |
| Block 1 | Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 March 2027 |
| Block 2 | Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 April 2027 |
| Block 3 | Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 May 2027 |
What the programme covers
Local government leaders work in a complex democratic, political and community environment. At a time of significant sector change, they must continue to deliver services and support their people while navigating uncertainty, evolving expectations and new ways of working.
The programme will help participants to:
- assess their leadership strengths and set clear development priorities
- lead more effectively within the democratic, political and community context of local government
- understand how governance and democratic processes shape decisions, responsibilities and accountability
- engage constructively with people who hold different perspectives
- interpret changing council priorities and turn them into clear direction and action for their function
- build stronger partnerships and use influence and negotiation more effectively
- use governance, risk and financial information to make well-informed leadership decisions
- lead and support their people through change and uncertainty
- strengthen their resilience and adaptability as leaders
- leave with clear actions to apply in their role.
Programme overview
Pre-programme connection: Before the first block, participants will join a one-hour online session to meet their facilitator and cohort, receive an overview of the programme, and ask any initial questions.
This programme reflects the planned content at the time of publication. We may adjust some content, examples or speakers to respond to significant changes or emerging needs in the local government sector.
Programme overview
Block 1 - Connection and purpose
Connect with your cohort and explore what effective leadership looks like in local government.
You will reflect on your leadership strengths and development priorities, consider the culture you help create and build your understanding of the environment in which councils operate.
Block length: Two in-person days
Key learning topics
- leadership in a local government context
- self-awareness and leadership development
- team culture
- growth mindset
- democracy and governance
- serving a diverse public
Block 2 - Navigating relationships and priorities
Explore the political, organisational and community relationships that shape leadership in local government.
Across the block, you will consider Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a local government context, political acumen, partnership-building, influence, and negotiation. You will also practice turning changing council priorities into clear decisions and direction for your function and team.
Block length: Three in-person days
Key learning topics
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi in local government
- turning council direction into action
- political acumen
- ethical leadership
- partnership building
- influencing and negotiation
- collaborative decision-making
Block 3 - Leading through complexity and change
Explore governance, risk and financial decision-making using practical local government situations.
You will also consider how people experience change, ways to support your team through uncertainty, and the role of resilience and adaptability in leadership.
Block length: Two in-person days
Key learning topics
- governance and risk
- financial principles and decision-making
- leading people through change and uncertainty
- resilience and adaptability
- applying the learning in your role
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.
Scott Summerfield
Scott Summerfield
Scott Summerfield (Tangata Tiriti) is Kaiarataki at Hononga Consulting. He is an unashamed fan of the impact and potential of local government, with over a decade of experience working across a wide range of councils across the motu. Scott acknowledges the humble and dedicated efforts of kaimahi across the sector on behalf of their communities to address the current significant challenges for local government.
Hononga Consulting partners with Taituarā and directly with many councils across Aotearoa to improve organisational Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsiveness in local government, and the Te Tiriti practice of local government kaimahi. He lives in eastern Wairarapa.
Lisa Hopa
Lisa Hopa
He mokopuna tenei o nga waka matua e wha, ko Kurahaupo, ko Tainui, ko Te Arawa hoki. I tipu ake au I raro i a Tararua maunga, no roto mai o te Wairarapa. Inaianei, e noho ana maua ko taku tamahine kei reira.
With a passion for education and personal growth, my academic journey has been a lifetime pursuit. With double undergraduate degrees in a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Māori Studies and a Bachelor of Physical Education, I also hold a Master of Professional Accounting and a Master of International Security. My educational pursuits are more recently centred around indigenous security and development issues, and how He Whakaputanga and Te Titiri o Waitangi can be reaffirmed in the defence and security realm.
Professionally, I have dedicated ten years to the Army as a General List Medical Officer, honing my leadership skills in high-pressure environments. My final regular force role was as a Senior Advisor Māori, utilizing my background and expertise to develop policy and advance Māori initiatives for service people. Prior to military service, I worked both overseas and locally as an accountant. In January 2026 I begin a new role as Pou Mataamua (CEO) for my iwi, Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-Rua.
Family is the cornerstone of my life. I am a proud parent to one daughter, Kaia, and we share our home with two beloved furry whānau members. When not working, I enjoy engaging in various sports and physical activities, spending quality time with my wider family, traveling to new places, and continuously pursuing education.
With a rich tapestry of experiences, I share a commitment to community and service, education, and personal development, that has supported a multifaceted career and life journey.
