With my time as President of NCWNZ coming to an end, I’m preparing for the transition and reflecting on the last 5-6 years. Recent comments by an external stakeholder referring to the stability of NCWNZ leadership as a positive feature of recent times is something I’m proud of, working alongside some wonderful Board members. I especially want to acknowledge Kerri, who has been working with me on the Board since only a few months after I took on the Presidency.

Yet stability of leadership can easily turn into stagnation, especially if the leaders run out of energy – you cannot pour from an empty cup. I came from a Playcentre background where the concept of emergent leadership is embedded. This concept is not only about growing and encouraging leaders to emerge from the group, but it is equally important for the leader to move aside. This allows for renewal and a refresh, a continuation of leadership but with a different style.

For emergent leadership to work, we need new people to continuously join the Board and learn from those who are already in the role. It is about building the experience to be confident when time comes to step into that leadership role.

Nominations for Board vacancies have recently closed, and currently we have fewer nominations than vacancies. Nominees need to have been a member for two years so that they understand NCWNZ’s kaupapa and culture; and we need people with some governance experience to contribute their wisdom to a small Board. We are also looking for more diverse perspectives on the Board, from people with different backgrounds, geographical location, ethnicities and age groups. Could this be you?

If anyone would like to know more, you can talk with any of the current Board members. Even if it is not you this year, but might be in the future – me kōrero mātou: let’s talk!

Suzanne Manning
NCWNZ President

To read more articles from The Circular (May-June 2026) issue 657, click on the tag below.