I completed the Leadership NZ Programme in 2010. A year of significant change for Auckland with the creation of the super city and the beginning of Auckland’s journey to being the world’s most liveable city.
In the four years since there has been a significant amount of strategic planning, infrastructure delivery and improvements to operations to shift Auckland toward its 30-year vision. It has been fantastic to be involved in a number of transport initiatives and projects such as the City Rail Link that are game changers for Auckland.
Change has been constant, the scale of change has increased and the pace of change has quickened. The Leadership NZ leadership 'up-skilling' and enhanced leadership toolbox has helped me meet the challenges and see and respond to the opportunities change brings.
I learnt from the many perspectives shared over the course of the 2010 Programme and in the Leadership NZ events since on the many complex issues that constrain our possibility as a nation. I was encouraged by the shared sense of purpose across the various sectors represented through the Programme. There are big issues to tackle, what we have done in the past shapes the present and the future. The conversations and broader understanding enabled and commitment to working for change has been invaluable in understanding the big issues facing Auckland and consequently New Zealand’s success in the 21st century.
The opportunity to 'give back' through service to the Waitakere Women’s Centre as a trustee/Chair for 3 years through Skills bank was rewarding. Drawing on the generosity of alumni to provide otherwise unaffordable skills training in strategic planning and governance demonstrated leadership in action.
I am enormously grateful to the Leadership NZ programme and investment made in me by my then employer, Auckland City Council, in supporting my participation in the programme, and consider the return on that investment in the years since have been high, for me personally and my current organisation, Auckland Transport.