A fourth cohort of woman leaders have successfully completed Aktive’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme, strengthening the leadership capability within Auckland’s sport and physical activity sector.
The Programme was recently celebrated at Michaels Community Centre with a graduation ceremony. Participants presented their group projects to a panel comprising: Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive, Aktive; Julie Paterson MNZM, Chief Executive Officer, Tennis New Zealand; and Brent Robinson, General Manager Sector Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa. Programme mentors, line managers and sector leaders also attended in support of the graduates.
Ms Wootten says the participants in the latest Women’s Leadership Development Programme made the most of the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and forge meaningful connections across the sector.
“Our Women’s Leadership Development Programme is designed to grow the capability and confidence of participants, ultimately supporting women in achieving their professional aspirations,” says Ms Wootten. “This cohort showcases the remarkable breadth of talent within the sport and physical activity sector, and we’re confident they will continue to lead by example and inspire other women and girls in sport.”
Facilitated by Hannah McLean, OLY, Performance Life Coach, High Performance Sport New Zealand; Michelle Au, Community & IDEA Lead at lululemon; and Kirsten Moratz, Coach Development Manager, Yachting New Zealand, the Programme provided a unique opportunity and environment for learning, with workshops, mentoring and personal development plans. Participants came from a range of organisations including Disability Sport Auckland, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Scouts Aotearoa.
Cohort four participant feedback included: “What I appreciated most about the Programme was the sense of togetherness, the ease of connecting in a safe environment, and the confidence I gained from being surrounded by such incredible wāhine” and “This was an amazing experience and I wouldn't have wanted anything different.”
Over four years, more than 60 women have graduated from Aktive’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme. Aktive is now taking time to review the Programme in line with its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan to inform future leadership opportunities, ensuring maximum possible impact and benefit for the sport and physical activity sector. For more information or to register your interest please contact enquiries@aktive.org.nz
2025 Women’s Leadership Development Programme participants
Name
Title
Organisation
Debrah Breedt
Chief Executive Officer
North Harbour Gymnastics
Maria Ceniza
Sport Development Officer
Disability Sport Auckland
Megan Garforth
Tamariki Programmes and Engagement Coordinator
Aktive
Phoebe Havill
Club Capability Lead
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Monique Istead
Sports teacher and Health/PE Curriculum Leader
Sommerville Special School
Wendy McNeely
Data and Evaluation Manager
Emma Mudgway
Upper North Island Relationship Manager
Scouts Aotearoa
Alysha Priestley
Touch Development Officer
Waikato Touch
Rochelle Seagar
Community Sport Advisor
Sport Bay of Plenty
Alisa Torgersen
Education Lead
Yachting New Zealand