Te Manutaki
New Senior System Leader Development
The chief executives of the New Zealand Public Service recognised the need for all leaders to be developed at critical transitions within their career. In response, the Leadership Development Centre offers Te Manutaki | New Senior System Leader Development to all leaders who are within the first 12 months of transitioning to their first senior system leader role.
Senior system leaders should be:
- Within their first 12 months of transitioning into a new senior system leadership role, and
- have a strategic focus working beyond agency borders such as across several agencies, sector and/or community groups. Examples include: Head of Dept, General Managers, Directors, Chief Advisors.
Email ldcprogrammes@ldc.govt.nz if you have any questions around leader suitability for this programme.
E mataara ana, e mātai iho ana te manutaki i ngā wā katoa. E aro atu ana ki te paerangi, e mātau ana ki ngā hau me ngā tai e huri ana. Ka topa i runga ake i te kaupapa waka hei tāiko, hei kaitiaki, e whakahaumaru ana i tana rahi.
The manutaki is alert and always watching. Eyes on all horizons, highly attuned to the ever-changing winds and currents. They soar above the fleet like a sentry bird and guardian, keeping their people safe.
A manutaki, senior system leader, is a steward for their people and their organisation to ensure the Public Service continues to serve the needs of all communities across Aotearoa. They understand the broad system context, the needs of their organisation and with humility astutely guides their people and the large service deliveries they lead through this interchanging environment.
Manutaki require different skills to other leaders. Their roles are complex, operate on a system-level and collectively lead the New Zealand Public Service. To help with this transition, leaders participate in a cohort programme including full-day facilitated sessions, development conversations and a small amount of self directed learning. Te Manutaki is designed to promote new ways of thinking and strong networks with peers.
The development for this programme is centered around four priorities:
- Lead System Collaboration
- Lead Māori Crown Relationships
- Lead for High Performance
- Lead Future
To also support this development, manutaki receive two 45-minute development conversations with an LDC executive coach. Through this process, leaders reflect on development priorities and create personalised development goals.
Cohort dates
The programme includes 3 full day facilitated sessions over 3 months and two 45 minutes individual development conversations with an executive coach.
30 July 2025 – 3 September 2025, (all face to face, Wellington)
Kick-off session and Lead System Collaboration workshop: 30 July 2025, 8.30am-5pm
Lead Māori Crown Relationships and Lead for High Performance workshops : 20 August 2025, 8.30am-5pm
Lead Future and Completion session: 3 September 2025, 8.30am-5pm
Benefits of programme
- Build networks with peers in the Public Service who share a common purpose.
- Hear from experienced chief executives and senior system leaders in the Public Service.
- Engage in full day sessions so you can fully delve into system priorities and apply this immediately to your work.
- Gain a clearer vision of your development needs as a senior system leader in the public service moving forward.
- Deepen your understanding of the critical shifts required in this key transition.
- Strengthened understanding on what it means to be a Senior System Leader in the Public Service
Apply
To apply or nominate a leader to join the next cohort, complete out the Expression of Interest form or email ldcprogrammes@ldc.govt.nz
Cost
LDC members rate: $2,000 + GST
Non-member rate: $3,500 + GST