Last month, Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) wrapped up its first year of the Emerging Leaders Pilot Programme, by hosting a second learning residential for wāhine in Wellington.
The leaders who attended were able to continue exploring topics of identity, goal planning, character strengths, Hauora and Te Whare Tapa Wha, as well as project planning and implementation. They also heard from an impressive panel of wāhine leaders that included Megan Compain, Alice Soper, Ashleigh Baker and Jeanna Cooney, discussing themes of navigating uncomfortable situations, imposter syndrome and having difficult conversations with others.
With the Emerging Leaders pilot funded by Sport New Zealand and the Four Winds Foundation, over the last nine months these leaders have been supported through a combination of individual learning, group workshops and networking opportunities as well as ongoing mentoring and peer-to-peer connection. They have also identified, scoped and developed plans to implement a project in their local communities.
10 young women have graduated from the inaugural programme, among them Jade Fairley – who says she really enjoyed the kaupapa and everything that it represents.
“It was so cool to hear all of the panel’s experiences, and to actually realise that they have been through the same thing we have,” says Fairley.
“Bringing a Te Ao Māori perspective into our workshop was good, because we gain a deeper understanding of other people. This is vital as we are trying to make a change for basketball as whole in Aotearoa, which is definitely a good thing. It has given all of the leaders a chance to get involved and expand our leadership within our communities and across BBNZ.”
Another graduate, Holly Parish says: “I think it is an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself and to become a leader in your community; also to have the opportunity and support to strengthen something in the community of your choice.”
Participation and Wellbeing Lead, Meaghan Wilby says that BBNZ is committed to continuing to invest in the future of female leaders.
“The Emerging Leaders programme provides the opportunity for significant learning and growth for both the Kōhine, their local communities, BBNZ and the wider basketball community,” says Wilby.
“Following the success of this pilot event we will be running a year two extension for a select number of this year’s Emerging Leaders programme, providing continued hands-on guidance to implement their projects in local communities, ongoing mentorship and support around their personal development plans, as well as further networking, development and connection opportunities.
“We’re also planning to run the full Emerging Leaders Programme again in 2024, with applications for a second cohort of leaders intended to open at the end of this year.”
Find out more about the Emerging Leaders Programme for 2022 at nz.basketball/leadership
2022/23 Emerging Leaders – Successful Graduates
- Sophie Currie, Canterbury
- Holly Parish, North Canterbury
- Daphne Martinez, Wellington
- Raneigh Hannah, Wellington
- Ella Major, Taranaki
- Sasha Nicholson, Hawkes Bay
- Jade Fairley, Bay of Plenty
- Jazmyn McGregor, Franklin
- Olivia Carey, Franklin
- Danielle Kooge, North Harbour
