The Southland Chamber of Commerce's acclaimed Leadership Academy programme is being offered in Te Anau for the first time next month.

The programme, offered by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years and since extended to Oamaru and central Otago, was introduced to Southland in February 2019. Since then the Southland Chamber of Commerce has delivered seven intakes in Invercargill and one on Stewart Island.

The purpose of the programme, which comprises three half-day sessions over three weeks, is to provide leaders with the opportunity to build leadership capabilities through their own personal development and by learning from the experience of others. It is aimed at people who are keen to develop their existing leadership experience and who have the potential for holding senior positions and governance roles.

Each of the sessions is led by a experienced senior executive from a variety of Southland or Otago-based businesses or other organisations. Guest speakers this year include Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan, the general manager of Blue River Dairy Robert Boekhout, general manager of South Port Geoff Finnerty, Dunedin Airport chief executive Richard Roberts, EIS chief executive Dean Addie and the regional commissioner of the Ministry of Social Development Jason Tibble.

Joanne O'Connor, of the Southland Chamber of Commerce, said the chambers wanted to support the Te Anau community at this challenging time by offering the opportunity for professional growth. Some participants may be eligible for a NZTE Capability Voucher covering 50% of the course fees through the Regional Business Partner Network, while not for profit organisations were encouraged to apply for a Community Trust South Leadership Scholarship.

Further information is available from Joanne O'Connor.