Executive Leader Development Programme
Now more than ever, New Zealand Public Service leaders are being called upon to lead in a way that delivers results and navigates current challenges whilst also looking ahead at future risks and uncertainties. They need to be bold, clear, calm, and connected to themselves and each other across the system so they can deliver in an increasingly complex, ever changing and fast paced Aotearoa and global context.
Through immersive residentials, practical development experiences, coaching and workshops leaders will hone their leadership practice collectively and individually.
Spaces are limited with nominations opening 10 February and closing 21 March 2025. The 2025 cohort starts mid-May 2025 and finishes February 2026.
Programme outcomes
This programme will help leaders to:
- Hone self-awareness. Practice intentional leadership with deep awareness of strengths and derailers, enabling them to expertly manage self and wellbeing.
- Drive a high-performance culture. Increase effectiveness and efficiency.
- Expand focus beyond agency view and context. Strategically collaborate in a system context for maximum impact.
- Be comfortable influencing. Ministerial relationships, dealing with media and navigating Māori Crown Relationship.
- Manage pressure of a senior role. Communicate effectively, representing the agency with composure and influence in high-stake and/or complex situation.
- Strengthen career planning, including how to navigate gaps that may be holding them back.
View PDF for detailed programme framework [PDF, 164 KB]
Investment: $19,000+ GST for member agency participants or $24,000 + GST for non-member agency participants.
Application process
Applications are now open and close 5pm, 21 March 2025. As part of your application you must have chief executive endorsement.
Executive Leader Development Programme Application Form [PDF, 247 KB]
Once applications close, LDC will manage the selection process. We balance a range of factors for selection, including individual participant information like role, experience and motivation, alongside cohort composition and equitable representation from Public Service agencies within the programme.
Applicants will be informed about the outcome of the selection by 24 April.
Eligibility
Aimed at high potential, high performing Public Service leaders in tier 2-3 roles, leaders must:
- bring a minimum of 12 months experience leading across complex ecosystems or operating at a sector and cross-system level making a strategic impact across all settings.
- be a member or strong contributor of the executive leadership team.
- demonstrate aspiration to progress and actively develop areas of focus to increase readiness for next executive role.
- operate in a role where external influencing skills are important for success which includes significant stakeholders like Government and Ministers, iwi, council, or across the private sector.
- have the endorsement of their chief executive.
Programme overview
A small cohort of 16 leaders begin their development with a comprehensive 360 assessment and coach debrief. The programme is book-ended by two immersive four-day residentials, providing space to reflect, ideate, connect, and grow through hands-on, practical development experiences.
Through the spine of the programme, leaders balance individual and collective learning. With project-based learning a key element, leaders will tackle complex challenges drawn from system priorities through stakeholder collaboration, creative problem-solving methods, and panel-style presentations. On an individual level, they will have access to coaching and development planning support.
Leaders will be also put through their paces through active development experiences based on common challenges experienced at this level, such as engagements with ministers, committees and media.
Throughout the programme, leaders get a rare opportunity to learn from seasoned Public Service chief executives.
Time commitment and dates
Leaders are expected to be able to commit fully to:
In-person sessions (all in Wellington region)
- 3-hour kick off session: 9am-12pm, 13 May 2025
- 4-day residential #1: 15-18 Jul 2025
- Three 3-hour workshops: 9am-12pm 16 Sep, 9am-12pm 30 Oct, 9am-12pm 9 Dec 2025
- 4-day residential #2: 17-20 Feb 2026
Individual coaching
- 360 assessment debrief
- 2 coaching sessions
- 2 development conversations
Self-directed project work
Approximately 50 hours for project-based group work over 6 months.
Total commitment to your development
Approximately 130 hours in total across in-person sessions, individual coaching and self-directed project work. This may count towards your current professional development requirements.
More information
Email ldcprogrammes@ldc.govt.nz with any questions.