Women's Leadership Development Programme graduates set to impact sport and recreation sector

by Aktive
Published on Thursday 07 April, 2022
WLDP 2022 Workshop 3 77

23 diverse women leaders have successfully completed the inaugural Aktive Women’s Leadership Development Programme (WLDP) highlighting the breadth of female talent across Auckland’s sport and recreation sector.

The 18-month programme concluded on Tuesday 5 April at the National Hockey Centre in Auckland with a graduation ceremony. The participants presented on the group projects they have been working on, with their programme mentors, current line managers and wider sector leaders in attendance.

Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive, Aktive says the participants have embraced the challenging opportunity which aimed to grow capability and support the women with their future aspirations at both governance and management levels of the sector.

“It is fantastic to see the graduating group of wāhine toa come through the Women’s Leadership Development Programme with amplified skillsets to support their future aspirations,” says Ms Wootten.

“The sport and recreation sector in Auckland is stronger for this group’s involvement in the Programme, and we know these women will continue to make a positive difference in the sector and be role models for other women and girls in sport.”

Kirsten Hellier, WLDP facilitator spoke about her gratitude for supporting women towards leadership roles in the sector.

“Sport has offered me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. It has been such a pleasure to be placed in a space to support others through a focused programme that both embraces and challenges the role that women have in and on sport in Aotearoa.”

The 2021 WLDP participants hail from a diverse range of organisations including Paralympics New Zealand, Auckland Cricket, Netball Northern Zone, Auckland Hockey, Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland Council and CLM Community Sport.

             

Gayle Vaughan, WLDP participant reflects on the learning opportunities the programme has provided her, building confidence, networks, and skillsets.

“Through a variety of different workshops and projects, I have added to my own repertoire of presentation styles and expanded my delivery toolkit. The women I have met on the programme continue to inspire me and I’m grateful these wāhine toa are part of my network. Thanks to Aktive for bringing us together!

Fellow participant, Sarah McIlory said the WLDP advanced her leadership journey in the sport and recreation sector: “I’ve loved being on the Aktive WDLP, learning alongside like-minded, passionate, powerful women. This programme and mentorship have helped build confidence, develop knowledge and leadership skills. I now have an invaluable network to call upon in the women’s sport sector.”
Kirsten Hellier observed a highlight of the WLDP was seeing a number of participants progress into leadership roles during the programme'.

“To see many of the participants transition into roles and positions of influence over the past 18 months speaks to the value of this initiative and the future potential of ongoing programmes.”

Applications for Aktive’s next Women’s Leadership Development Programme open 6 April 2022, with a fantastic new opportunity for women outside of Auckland to join the second cohort thanks to the support of Sport New Zealand.

Further information is available on the Aktive website.

 

           

2021-2022 Women’s Leadership Development Programme participants

Alysha 

Jensen 

National Programmes Manager 

Netball New Zealand 

Bernie 

Tovio 

General Manager 

CLM Community Sport 

Casey 

Flood 

Education & Programmes Manager 

Blind Sport New Zealand 

Gayle 

Vaughan 

Coach Development Manager 

Tennis New Zealand 

Heidi 

Wilde 

Funding and Partnership Manager 

Paralympics New Zealand 

Jessica  

Baker 

Sports Team Leader 

The University of Auckland 

Karla 

Matua 

Kaiwhakahaere 

Aktive 

Karyne 

Ross 

Community Netball Manager 

Netball Northern Zone 

Kirsten 

Spencer 

Associate Professor in Sport Coaching and Performance Analysis 

Auckland University of Technology 

Leah 

Marelic 

Senior Cricket Administrator 

Auckland Cricket 

Leilani 

Fuemana 

Facilities Coordinator 

Auckland Council 

Lisa 

Walker 

 Education Manager 

Drug Free Sport New Zealand 

Liz 

McKinnon 

Talent & Coach Development Officer 

Golf New Zealand 

Maddi 

McLean 

Board member and Young People Participation Manager 

The Shift Foundation & Golf New Zealand 

Nicky 

van den Bos 

Programme Director 

Women in Sport Aotearoa 

Nicola 

Post 

Community Lead – South Auckland 

Basketball New Zealand 

Nicole 

Terrill 

Marketing & Sponsorship Manager 

Bruce Pulman Park 

Raynor 

Haagh 

National Sport Development Director 

Yachting New Zealand 

Rebecca 

Annan 

Partnership Manager   

Netball New Zealand 

Robyn 

Neil 

Board Member 

Auckland Hockey 

Sarah 

McIlroy 

Women's Rugby Participation Manager 

NZ Rugby Union 

Sian 

Clancy 

General Manager Athlete Services 

Drug Free Sport New Zealand 

Tamara 

Pereira 

Junior & Youth Cricket Coordinator 

Auckland Cricket Association