Leadership

Kaiārahitanga

About the Leadership Network

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to excel in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.

Find out more

Leadership / News

How Asia shaped Leadership Network member's life of adventure

For the August instalment of our series connecting with some of the Leadership Network's earliest members, we touch base with adventure journalist and author Nathan Hoturoa Gray. Nathan's connection with the Leadership Network stretches back to 2009, joining after receiving a Foundation Media Travel Grant to cover the Beijing Olympics. In 2000, Nathan walked some 4000kms of the Great Wall of China, laying the foundations of his "long-term love affair" with Asia. Since then, Nathan has continued to live a life of adventure and giving back to the communities that have shaped him.

Leadership / News

Teochew film sparks conversations around culture, language and identity

With the Teochew-language film Dear You premiering in cinemas across New Zealand in June, we spoke with Leadership Network members about the film and the conversations it has sparked around culture, language and identity. In this article, network members Derek Lieu, Magdeline Huang and Richard Li share their reflections on the film. Teochew is a language spoken by the Teochew people in the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong and by the diaspora around the world.

Leadership / News

Manila Hui reinforces the value of people-to-people connections

Leadership Network member Rakuto Kurano describes taking part in the network's Manila Hui, which saw 14 members travel to the Philippines to deepen their understanding of the Southeast Asian nation, its culture and history, and to build new connections. The hui was held to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and the Philippines and included visits to social enterprises, media organisations and cultural sites.

What we offer

The Leadership Network supports members to take an active role in strengthening New Zealand’s ties with Asia through professional development hui in New Zealand and Asia, networking opportunties and access to special events.

Leadership Network / Join

Join the Leadership Network

The Leadership Network equips New Zealand’s best and brightest to thrive in Asia. We support members to achieve, lead and learn about Asia so that New Zealand can succeed in the region.

Leadership Network / Connect

Leadership Network Ngopi & Kōrero 2026

Find out about connecting with fellow network members to make new friends, discuss life, leadership and Asia and help strengthen the bonds that make the Leadership Network special.

Leadership Network Hui

Rethinking Leadership Hui

The Leadership Network's Rethinking Leadership Hui offer a unique opportunity to explore the leadership challenges facing New Zealand and Asia, and to share insights, experiences and stories with fellow Leadership Network members. Rethinking Leadership Hui are typically held once a year.