Opportunity Title : Creative New Zealand – New Leaders Programme 2026

The New Leaders Programme is designed for arts-sector professionals who are new to senior executive roles or are preparing to take on such responsibilities. It recognises that stepping into senior leadership can be challenging, particularly when arts organisations are dealing with growth, organisational change, funding pressures or operational difficulties.

Through structured professional development, participants gain practical knowledge to manage people, strengthen organisational performance, make strategic decisions and lead effectively in complex environments.

Participants will explore a range of leadership and organisational management areas, including:

1. Te Tiriti and Cultural Leadership
Participants examine leadership approaches connected to Te Tiriti and cultural responsibility in the New Zealand arts sector. This helps emerging leaders understand how cultural awareness can shape organisational practices and relationships.

2. Governance
The programme explores the relationship between senior executives, boards and governance bodies. Participants develop an understanding of governance responsibilities, executive leadership, board relationships, decision-making and organisational accountability.

3. Strategic Leadership
Participants strengthen their ability to set organisational direction, make informed decisions and guide their organisations toward long-term objectives.

4. Organisational Change
Arts organisations can experience changes in funding, staffing, audiences, strategies and operating environments. Participants learn approaches for managing change while maintaining effective communication and leadership.

5. Human Resources
The programme covers important people-management and workplace leadership skills, including staff management, team development, workplace relationships, leadership responsibilities and organisational culture.

6. Performance Management
Participants develop approaches for effectively managing organisational and staff performance and supporting improved outcomes.

7. Revenue Generation
Participants explore ways of generating sustainable income and strengthening the financial resilience of arts organisations.

8. Advocacy
The programme helps emerging leaders develop the ability to advocate effectively for their organisations, communities and the wider arts sector.

9. Media Training
Participants receive media training designed to improve their ability to communicate clearly and confidently with journalists and other media representatives.

The programme is intended for leaders who are new to senior executive positions within arts organisations or communities.

Applicants must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Have been in their current senior executive role for less than two years.

Interested applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 1:00 PM New Zealand time on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

The EOI should include:

• Your name and contact details.
• The senior executive role you currently hold or will be stepping into.
• The benefits or opportunities you expect the programme to bring to your organisation or community.
• The knowledge gaps or leadership areas you want to develop.
• A brief biography describing your career or professional development journey, or a link to your online biography.
• The leadership challenge you would like to address through coaching.

Applicants should prepare their responses before starting the application because the EOI form cannot be saved and completed later.