Emergent Leaders for Change
Building capability for meaningful impact
A leadership programme that builds sustainability leadership capability, enabling both individual growth and organisational impact.
About the programme
Emergent Leaders for Change supports early-career professionals to step into their potential as sustainability leaders — confident in who they are, connected across sectors, and capable of driving action that makes a difference. Participants develop the skills, relationships, and confidence to sustain their leadership journey and inspire collective change.
A first-of-its-kind programme supporting professionals to strengthen their leadership and sustainability capability — equipping them to drive change that matters.
Thanks to generous inaugural funding, this $3,000 (excl. GST) programme is offered as a one-off opportunity to attend for a koha.
When & Where
Monday 26th–Wed 28th January 2026, 3 days overnight
Wheke, Rapaki Marae
Who
Early-career professionals (1–3 years of experience) looking to grow their sustainability leadership capability.
What Participants Will Learn:
Develop confidence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of purpose as an emerging leader.
Build meaningful networks from across sectors.
Experience place-based learning that deepens connection to te taiao (the natural environment) and inspires authentic, values-led action.
Grow the interpersonal and adaptive skills needed to sustain leadership in complex systems.
Impact
Drive Organisational Sustainability and Culture Change: Participants gain practical skills to prepare them for implementing sustainability initiatives internally, build champions for change, and increase awareness of sustainability issues in a local and culturally informed context.
Invest in Emerging Leadership: Develop early-career professionals with authentic, values-based sustainability leadership skills that deliver measurable organisational impact.
Build Networks and Broader Impact: Enable broader connections with peers and leaders across sectors, fostering collaboration, partnerships, and shared learning within a local context.
Who is it for?
This programme is designed for early-career professionals (typically 1–3 years into their working life) who are motivated to grow their leadership capability and contribute to positive environmental and social impact.
You might be:
Working in business, government, or community sectors where sustainability is becoming increasingly important.
Eager to align your professional path with your personal values and purpose.
Looking to build confidence to influence change and lead authentically within your organisation or field.
Curious about how to navigate complex sustainability challenges and work collaboratively across systems.
Whether you’re in a technical, creative, or policy-focused role, this programme will help you deepen your understanding of leadership for sustainability and translate it into practical action in your workplace.
How to get involved
For Early-Career Professionals
Ready to build the foundations for leading change? Here’s how to get started:
Secure Support
Talk with your manager or HR team to confirm their support for your attendance.
Register Your Interest
Complete the short expressions of interest form below and include a key contact person within your organisation.
Receive the Registration Form
We’ll send you a registration form to capture your details and confirm your place.
Confirmation
Once confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical details you need ahead of the programme.
Spread the Word & Get Excited
Encourage your peers and colleagues to get involved too — shared experiences strengthen learning.
For Managers and HR Representatives
Interested in supporting your emerging talent? Here’s how to take part:
Register Your Interest
Submit the short form expressing your organisation’s interest below.
Initial Conversation
The UWF team will be in touch to discuss participant selection, clarify the opportunity and logistics, outline the koha, and answer any questions.
Receive Registration Details
We’ll provide information and a link for your selected participants to register directly.
Confirm Participation
Once your participants are confirmed, you’ll receive updates and next steps from the UWF team.
Champion the Opportunity
Support your team’s preparation and share the opportunity internally to build momentum for sustainability leadership.
Programme Costs & Accessibility
This inaugural programme, valued at $3,000 (excl. GST), is made possible through generous funding support. As a one-off opportunity, participation is available for koha, please reach out to discuss your applicants. A $150+GST administration fee applies for each participant.