Business Wairarapa · Cohort 2026
LeadershipAcademy
Developing future Wairarapa business leaders · July – September 2026
"Good leaders learn on the job.
Great ones deliberately seek better rooms."
The Wairarapa Leadership Academy is that room.
2026 cohort currently underway
Register for the 2027 CohortProgramme Overview
Strengthen your leadership through self-reflection and learning from others
Gain insights directly from senior executives of leading New Zealand organisations
Understand what it takes to lead — inside your organisation and beyond
Build meaningful connections that extend well beyond the programme
Professionals passionate about developing their leadership capability
Those aspiring to step into senior roles or governance positions
Business owners and managers ready to invest in their own growth
Anyone seeking lasting networks within Wairarapa's business community
Confidence and clarity to lead in complex, fast-moving environments
A strong understanding of what modern leadership demands
Practical skills you can apply immediately in your organisation
Valuable connections in the local business community that last
The Details
Registered with the RBP Management Capability Development Fund. Eligible members may pay as little as $400+GST and non-members as little as $800+GST. Email terry@wairarapachamber.co.nz to explore eligibility.
Register for the 2027 Cohort
Our July 2026 cohort has begun. The next cohort will run in 2027, dates TBC.
Register your interest now to ensure you don't miss out.
Just 12 spaces available, this is cohort learning.
terry@wairarapachamber.co.nz
Guest Speakers
"The best leaders in Wairarapa didn't get there by accident.
They made a decision."
Join 12 professionals from across the region for an 8-week programme that changes how you lead — for good.
Programme Schedule
Eight Friday mornings, 10am–12pm, at The Captain's Room, The White Swan, Greytown. Each session pairs a world-class leader with a topic that cuts to the heart of what it means to lead.
| Date | Time | Session | Speaker | Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 July | 10am–12pm | Leading with why not what | Peter Biggs | Booktown Featherston / IOB |
| 31 July | 10am–12pm | Leading from the Front | Mark Sorenson | Leadership Consultant |
| 7 August | 10am–12pm | Leadership: Character and Characteristics | John Prendergast | Trust House |
| 14 August | 10am–12pm | Leading for innovation and impact | Brooke Roberts | Sharesies |
| 21 August | 10am–12pm | Leading with trust and autonomy | Matt Orr | Fisher & Paykel |
| 28 August | 10am–12pm | The Leader as Architect | Will Noble | Perpetro Software |
| 4 September | 10am–12pm | Leading through change and uncertainty | Lance Walker | UniMed |
| 11 September | 10am–12pm | Leading with purpose | James Fuller | Hnry |
Note: Session order may change. Business Wairarapa reserves the right to change presenters or topics for unforeseen circumstances.
A Legacy of Leadership
Graduates are invited to join the exclusive Wairarapa Leadership Academy Alumni — a vibrant, growing network of leaders committed to continued growth and giving back to our region.
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