Diversity and Inclusion

For Tāmaki Makaurau to be the world’s most active city, we need to make sure everyone feels accepted, respected and included in sport and physical activity. Here's how we help work towards this.

Women’s Leadership Development Programme

Aktive’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme brings together diverse women leaders and provides an opportunity and environment for learning that support women to further develop their confidence and leadership skills, enhancing their impact in the sector. 

 

There are two key objectives for the programme that support further development:  

 

  1. Leadership competencies – supporting women to further develop their leadership competencies or behaviours, consolidate their own leadership style, empower them to be who they want to be and navigate the challenges that are part of leadership  
     
  2. Confidence – encouraging women to identify their strengths, pursue goals, take opportunities, and progress their career path. They will be confident to champion themselves and others going forward. 

 

Specifically, the Women’s Leadership Development Programme supports women to develop career strategies, accelerate their learning through the provision of a leadership mentor, and participate in regular networking.  

Women’s Leadership Development Programme 2025

 

In 2025, the Aktive Women's Leadership Development Programme (WLDP) will bring together up to 20 diverse women leaders from the sport and physical activity sector (sector) to take part in an eight-month programme.

 

The WLDP provides a unique opportunity and environment for learning that will support participants to further develop their confidence and leadership competencies, strengthening their impact in the sector and when appropriate, enabling them to take the next leadership step in their career.  

 

About the programme

The WLDP has a facilitative approach. It is based on personalised learning involving shared experiences and peer coaching with an emphasis on self-reflection, and action learning.

 

Participants will:

  • Develop further confidence and competence in a range of leadership behaviours 
  • Produce a Personal Development Plan with clear goals that supports a career strategy
  • Accelerate their learning through the provision of a WLDP leadership mentor 
  • Participate in regular networking opportunities
  • Develop greater self-awareness as a leader in sport and physical activity 
  • Improve knowledge and understanding of the women and sport movement in New Zealand and globally.

 

The WLDP is an eight-month programme, beginning April 2025, comprising: 

  • Five workshops
    • One two-day workshop
    • Two one-day workshops
    • Two online workshops over eight months commencing Tuesday 20 May
  • Personal Development Plans – setting goals on leadership behaviours and career strategies
  • Mentors – providing support throughout the programme.

 

About the applicants

Applicants should:

  • Currently be in middle management roles or have recently been appointed into senior management roles within sector organisations
  • Have key areas of responsibility such as leading a specific department/area/project for their organisation or have current responsibility for influencing people and/or managing staff
  • Be identified as future leaders by their organisations, and have the aspiration and commitment to pursue a leadership pathway
  • Be committed to making a difference and enhancing opportunities for women and girls in and through sport and physical activity
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.

 

Applications are open between 10 March and 28 March 2025. 

 

Aktive WLDP Cohort 4 Q&A webinar

This webinar is for women who are considering applying for the WLDP and would like some further information. Join us 11am-12pm on Wednesday 26 March to hear more about the WLDP from programme facilitators and participants from cohorts two and three. This is a chance to ask questions about the programme, the commitment involved and opportunities that the programme can provide for participants.

Link to call: Teams Meeting Link to Q & A for WLDP

 

 

 
Women's Leadership Development Programme 2025 - Participant Pack Apply now

Skillet Access Maps

Aktive and Skillet Access Maps are proud to have come together to provide even greater information around inclusive sport and recreation opportunities and accessible facilities for the disabled community.  

This platform provides a digitally accessible, centralised network of inclusive sport and recreation programmes and accessible facilities and environments for the disabled community.  

Find out more information about Aktive's Skillet Access Map 
Open full-screen Access Map
Install Aktive’s Map App

 

Accessibility

Accessibility means making content understandable for everyone. This can include providing video captions, ensuring optimal colour contrast, and using clear and concise language. It's about creating a better user experience that benefits everyone - that's why Aktive collaborated with Sport New Zealand and Sport Canterbury and consulted with Access Advisors to develop a suite of resources to support the sport and recreation sector with providing accessible information and events. 

Learn more by visiting the Inclusivity Hub on Sport New Zealand's website.