Step up to the challenge, develop leaders, build your team, and showcase your council’s best. This is your chance to showcase your leadership, and represent Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage.

Challenge yourself in 2026

The Taituarā Management Challenge is Australasia’s premier local government team development program, delivered in partnership with LG Professionals Australia. It’s a unique, practical learning experience that brings together council professionals to tackle real-world challenges faced in local government – in a fast-paced, fun, and supportive environment.

The winning team will go on to represent Aotearoa New Zealand in the Australasian Grand Final later in the year.

Join as a wild card

You can now take part in the Challenge as an individual, joining a ‘wild card’ team made up of local government superstars from different councils. If you’re keen to challenge yourself, collaborate with others, and experience the energy of the Challenge, this is your opportunity.

Registration is closed for 2026.

Breaking down silos

Teams work across departments and roles, building stronger connections and shared understanding between different areas of council.

Building staff confidence

Participants step outside their usual comfort zones, developing the confidence to lead, communicate, and make decisions under pressure.

Improving organisational culture

The challenge inspires collaboration, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose that strengthens your team and workplace culture.

What's involved?

The challenge is more than just a one-day event – it’s an unparalleled professional development experience. Each team, made up of up to six members plus a mentor, works together before the challenge and on the day to put their skills to the test.

1. A pre-challenge task

Released prior to challenge day, testing strategic thinking and preparation.

2. Challenge day

A one-day event filled with live tasks that mirror real-world issues faced by councils. Think of it like a Local Government ‘escape room’. Some tasks are written, some are role-plays, some involve presentations or video creation – all of them require creativity, teamwork, and time management under pressure.

3. Post-event reflection

Teams receive constructive feedback on their performance to support continued learning and development.

Why take part?

Build leadership and collaboration – strengthen problem-solving, communication, and teamwork under pressure.
Enhance council capability – develop future leaders through hands-on experience.
Connect across the sector – engage with peers and share perspectives across New Zealand.
Benchmark your council – test your team’s thinking against others in a supportive, competitive setting.

Who should enter?

The challenge is for anyone working in local government – from aspiring leaders to seasoned professionals. Teams are often cross-departmental, providing opportunities to collaborate beyond usual roles and silos.

Each team has five or six members plus a mentor from across their council. For smaller councils, there’s also the option to combine forces with a neighbouring council to form a joint team.

The Prize

The winners of the New Zealand leg will represent Aotearoa at the Australasian Grand Final, competing against teams from across Australia – an incredible opportunity to showcase leadership on the international stage.

Teams will cover their own travel costs to their challenge venue, but Taituarā will contribute towards costs for each participating team member on the winning teams to support their Trans-Tasman adventure.

Past participants say

"I’d encourage anyone to come, it’s a great professional development opportunity. You get to meet other council kaimahi who might do the same stuff as you, and you can bounce off each other in terms of initiatives that have worked or haven’t worked. So, do it, do it for your council, do it for your rohe, and see you at next year’s challenge!"

Lillian Ward

Gisborne District Council

"It’s been really really fun! Not only getting to know my own team but to spend time alongside other teams – and you know that’s really what Council mahi is about – engagement, connection – all those wonderful things. That has been the highlight for me."

Dean Reedy-Sinnott

Hutt City Council

Registration Information

A team is a group of 5 or 6 members, plus one mentor. Only one team member needs to apply.

You do not need to be a Taituarā member to apply, registrations are open to any local government employee.

Registration for 2026 is closed – start planning now to take part in 2027!

Download the Management challenge brochure

Registrations for our next Management Challenge are open!

Drop us an email on events@taituara.org.nz to register your interest.

Keen to learn more?

Get in touch for questions, team setup help, or invoicing details.

Email our events team

Search site