How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with TAMA POTAKA (Alumnus 2009) to track his journey and unlock the ways his leadership mahi is making a difference in Aotearoa since graduating from The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP).
Since completing NZLP in 2009, where have you journeyed?
Soon after completing the Programme, my whānau and I relocated to Waikato/Kirikiriroa/Hamilton where we stayed for seven years. I worked as the GM Corporate Services for Tainui Group Holdings, supporting both the company and the parent entity the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust. Ariana and I had two boys (Te Awarua and Aorangi) join their sister (Tiaria) whilst we lived in Hamilton. I then moved back to Tāmaki and worked at the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super Fund) as a Senior Advisor.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
The Programme helped facilitate better awareness of the diversity of leadership within Aotearoa New Zealand. I found the Programme helped enable better networks and contacts – especially around emergent corporate and community leaders. The Programme sharpened my focus on different types of leadership and how these are needed in different projects/times.
What wisdom and tools from your NZLP experience have you added to your kete?
Positive mental agility and attitude. More networked thinking – not necessary to know what to do for every situation, but necessary to know that I don’t know what to do but can network to the most effective response. Greater sense of New Zealand’s place in the world and the Pacific, and more importantly the actual and potential locations of tangata whenua in Aotearoa.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
Networks – the Programme introduced a wider and deeper set of networks that can be accessed for creating value. This is more than two way. Diverse thinking – especially around putting myself in other people’s shoes and seeing the world (or a complex project) differently. Step change action – especially around taking the best learnings from one area/sector and considering these in other areas/sectors.
If you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
Nobody has everything, and everybody has something.
Tama Potaka is Chief Executive Officer at Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki
Did Tama’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.