Written by Natalie Barker, Southern Cross Healthcare
I’m glad to have the opportunity to reflect on my journey with The NZ Leadership NZ Programme so far, because it’s been difficult to sum up what I’ve been learning and how it has impacted me. Several times since Retreat One in March, I’ve referred back to the brochure for help choosing the words to describe the Programme. To be honest, it hasn’t helped, because the experiences, insights and wisdom I’m gaining are so deeply personal that no brochure could do them justice.
Over the last few months, hearing about the world from perspectives different to my own, connecting with my essential self, exploring the concept of Mana Ōrite, and understanding the relationship between people, place and the environment, has challenged me to consider how I choose to live and the difference I’d like to make as a leader.
Thanks to Covid-19, Retreat Four (Our Environment, Our System) was held online rather than in Raglan as planned, but was no less engaging than our time together in-person. For me, the kaupapa was possibly the most impactful so far because, I’m ashamed to say, I give my relationship with the environment very little thought day to day. I was inspired and tested by the panel of my peers, sharing the work they do protect the environment, educate society and create positive change.
Our group was privileged to meet Zane Wedding, now with Greenpeace Aotearoa, who spent 64 days last year living in a tree to protest of the destruction of a stand of ancient and endangered rākau. He challenged us to ask ourselves how far we’re willing to go, what we would sacrifice to stand up for the change we want to see. Our next guest, Professor Basil Sharp, had a similar message. Given that household consumption drives 71% of carbon emission, what are we willing to do to slow climate change, what change are we up for?
That’s probably the theme of what’s shifted in me this year - as a person, as a leader and as a New Zealander. I’m asking myself what change I want to see. What world do I want to lead? How am I effecting system change? The Leadership NZ programme hasn’t just given me new tools to develop my personal leadership, it has expanded my thinking about what leadership even is. By spending time exploring the challenges our country faces, I am so much more mindful of the difference each one of us can make, at work, in our communities and with our whanau. Being part of Leadership NZ hasn’t given me the answers, it’s pushed me to ask myself much bigger questions.
Did Natalie’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
Leadership NZ is on a mission to find the committed, visionary, brave leaders who can lead with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century. In this time of uncertainty and change, our purpose to catalyse leadership in Aotearoa as a force for positive change has never felt more important.
Are you a mid-level, senior or community leader in New Zealand who feels purposeful to evolve its leadership landscape? Do you know someone who is?
Applications are open for The NZ Leadership Programme 2022
We warmly invite suitable leaders across New Zealand to apply now.