NZDF programmes
New Zealand Defence Force Institute for Leadership Development
The New Zealand Defence Force, Institute for Leader Development (ILD) delivers a comprehensive approach to continued leadership development with a focus on helping people leaders who are transitioning to the next level of leadership.
A number of their leadership development programmes are open to participants from the wider public sector and some programmes involve outdoor activities designed to challenge leaders.
The Leadership Development Centre takes a system wide approach to maximise Public Service spaces on these programmes by managing the nomination and selection process. Public Service representative spaces are limited.
We balance a range of factors for selection, including individual participant information like role and experience, alongside equitable representation from Public Service agencies both across and within the programmes. A balanced approach provides a rich experience for the participant and a diverse contribution to the cohort.
Nominations for Round 6 open on 1 October 2024 for cohorts starting in the first half of 2025.
Read about Nick Ritchie’s experience on Lead Capability: 'Invaluable growth on NZDF’s Lead Capability Programme'
Programme details
You can learn more about each programme in the programme flyer. You may also find the Leadership characteristics document helpful to determine the suitability of each programme for leaders at different levels.
2025 Leadership Courses and Programmes Flyer [PDF, 182 KB]
Leadership characteristics [PDF, 181 KB]
Cost per programme is approximately $600-$1500 + travel costs
Nominations process
Nominations open on 1 October and close 15 November 2024 for courses starting in the first half of 2025.
Send completed nomination forms to LDCprogrammes@ldc.govt.nz
All nominations require agency approval. Your agency may also have their own internal selection process. Before you begin your application, check with your general manager HR or equivalent. We recommend that all nominations be sent from one agency HR/OD representative.
Nomination form – Lead System Leadership Programme [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Nomination form – Lead Capability Leadership Programme [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Nomination form – Lead Integrated Capability Leadership Programme [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Round 6 Programme dates and public service spaces available
Lead System Leadership Programme
Cohort 1
- Phase 1: February–March 2025
- Phase 2: 17–21 March 2025
Cohort 2
- Phase 1: May–June 2025
- Phase 2: 9–13 June 2025
Lead Capability Leadership Programme
- Phase 1: April–May 2025
- Phase 2: 7–16 May 2025
Lead Integrated Capability Leadership Programme
- Phase 1: April–May 2025
- Residential phase (Motutapu): 8–13 June 2025
- Phase 3: June – July 2025
- Phase 4: Residential phase (Wellington): 4–8 August 2025
- Phase 5: August 2025
For round 6, 16 spaces are available on the programmes:
- 8 Public Service spaces across 2 cohorts of the Lead Systems Leadership Programme
- 4 Public Service spaces on 1 cohort of the Lead Capability Leadership Programme
- 4 Public Service spaces on 1 cohort of the Lead Integrated Capability Leadership Programme
The outcomes for nominations will be shared via email in early-mid December 2024.
Contacts
If you have any questions about the nomination process, email: LDCprogrammes@ldc.govt.nz
For specific questions about the programme or course, email: ildprogrammes@nzdf.mil.nz