Graduates from Women’s Leadership Development Programme a further boost for Auckland’s sport and physical activity sector

Another diverse group of woman leaders have successfully completed Aktive’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme, providing a further boost of the leadership capability within Auckland’s sport and physical activity sector.

The 18-month programme was recently celebrated at Remuera Golf Course with a graduation ceremony. Participants presented their group projects to a panel comprising Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive, Aktive; Laura Menzies, Chief Executive, Northern Region Football; and Brent Robinson, Group Manager – Sector Engagement, Brand & Communications, Sport NZ. Programme mentors, line managers and sector leaders also attended in support of the graduates.

Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive, Aktive says the participants maximised the opportunity to further develop their leadership capability and build meaningful connections throughout the programme.

“Our Women’s Leadership Development Programme aims to grow capability and confidence of participants, ultimately supporting women with their future professional aspirations,” says Ms Wootten.

“This cohort of women further highlights the breadth of talent across the sport and physical activity sector, and we know they will continue to be role models for other women and girls in sport.”

The programme provided a unique opportunity and environment for learning, with residential workshops, mentoring and networking events. Participants came from a range of organisations including Netball New Zealand, Auckland Cricket, Gymnastics New Zealand, Stars Netball and AUT Millennium.

Louise Rich, People, Culture and Sustainability Manager, AUT Millennium shared her experience: “The Aktive Women’s Leadership Development Programme has been a fantastic opportunity to focus on my career development and step confidently into opportunities that I would not have taken up previously.

“Working alongside a fantastic team of facilitators, our cohort was provided with a toolbox of activities and challenges which we carried through to our organisations to support the development of programmes and initiatives. This has provided me a platform to take up new opportunities, expand my networks and spend time with a group of inspiring, genuine and amazing women who are committed to be the best they can be.”

Another participant, Brianna Maynard, High Performance Teams Coordinator, Athletics New Zealand said: “I applied for the Women’s Leadership Development Programme in the hopes of figuring out how to progress my career as a sports administrator.

“I also realised that we are always learning and developing no matter what age and stage we are at in our careers. I have graduated from the Programme with more confidence in my personal and professional capabilities, and new connections within the sports sector who are now also close friends.”

Over three 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 recently launched 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This process will inform what leadership programmes Aktive continues to deliver into the future, ensuring maximum possible impact and benefit for the sport and physical activity sector.