About the Leadership Network


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

A group of about 20 Leadership Network members sitting on steps

The Leadership Network helps New Zealand’s emerging young leaders build their Asia competency by providing professional development and leadership opportunities to support them in taking an active role in strengthening New Zealand’s ties with Asia.

We help foster relationships that enable network members to work together to influence change in New Zealand and develop the all-important Asia connections needed for New Zealand’s future prosperity.

What we do

Leadership Network members have access to a curated programme of activities and initiatives in New Zealand and Asia that are designed to:

  • Deepen connections
    Network members are offered the chance to meet representatives from leading organisations in New Zealand and Asia, and to network with influential decision makers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

  • Grow knowledge and awareness
    We want our network members to be recognised as the emerging and established leaders on issues relating to Asia and New Zealand. We offer members opportunities to increase their knowledge of the countries and peoples of Asia, and regional issues.

  • Build confidence
    We provide members with opportunities to engage in leadership development activities and demonstrate leadership in New Zealand and offshore. We want our network to be dynamic and diverse, with members initiating participation and engagement with others working in this space.

Read the Leadership Network's strategy

Leadership Network members riding yellow bikes

 

What we offer

Being a member of the Leadership Network allows you to:

Develop your leadership skills 

By hosting events, speaking on panels, or taking part in leadership training 

Travel offshore 

As part of our group offshore hui.  

Attend onshore events 

These are short, targeted events that provide leadership and professional development and the opportunity to expand your Asia knowledge.  

Connect with other members 

Through many opportunities, including networking events, a mentorship programme, and randomised one-on-one connection catch-ups.  

Gain governance experience 

Members can apply to be on the Leadership Network advisory board, acting as the voice of the network while gaining board experience.  

Access special events 

We are often provided opportunities by other organisations nationally and internationally, which we are able to pass onto network members.  

About our members

The network, which began in 2007, and has just over 400 members.

The network is diverse. Members work across a range of sectors and industries including education, engineering, business, new media and journalism, banking, government and public sector, law, management and the arts.

We regularly profile members, asking them about work and passions, their links with Asia and their plans for the future.

How to be an active member

Your thoughts and ideas help to shape the direction of the Leadership Network, but to get the most from the network, you need to stay connected.

Leadership Network members smiling as they listen to a speaker who is out of the shot

Get involved with Leadership Network activities

By being involved in network activities you’ll meet great people doing interesting things, get the scoop on professional development opportunities and build personal, intellectual and business connections that you’ll revisit frequently in the years to come.

So, how do you stay involved?

  • Keep the network up to date with your activities
    Join the LinkedIn group for Leadership Network members and make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile current.
  • Share the love
    Post any articles, research, job opportunities or internships that you think might interest other network members on the LinkedIn group. 
  • Meet other members!
    Try to regularly attend Foundation events, and consider organising your own get-togethers. Invite other members to join you at Asia-related events such as festivals, conferences and talks, or meet up with your cluster group.
  • Keep the Foundation up to date...
    If you change jobs, move or head offshore, we want to know.  If we know what you’re doing we can connect you with others in the network who might be in your area, and invite you to any events or activities that are happening.  And tell us about your successes – we can help publicise what you’re doing, whether it’s a new business project, published research or involvement in a community project or initiative. 
  • . . . and keep up to date with the Foundation
    Regularly check the Asia New Zealand Foundation website, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter and follow our social media channels.  This will tell you what other members are doing, and let you know about upcoming professional development opportunities across the Foundation.
  • Donate!
    The Asia New Zealand Foundation is a non-profit charity, and any contributions towards our programmes are welcome. You can even specify how you’d like your donation to be used. Find out about donating to the Foundation.

If you’re in New Zealand you can also:

  • Volunteer – share your time, skills and abilities with others. You could be a speaker at a network event, present to interest groups, or help out at an Asia New Zealand Foundation event.
  • Talk to your employers about the network – perhaps there are opportunities for other network members, or for your employer to link up with Foundation programmes.

If you’re overseas, you can also:

  • Help out with visiting Kiwis in your neighbourhood. The Foundation sends artists, journalists and business interns offshore regularly. Your local knowledge can help smooth the way for these visitors – many who will be visiting Asian countries for the first time, and they’ll really value your input.
  • Join KEA New Zealand or a regional chamber of commerce to connect with Kiwi expats.
  • Register with the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in your country. They often hold events which offer networking opportunities.

Big or small, everyone’s contribution adds to our mission of strengthening New Zealand’s relationships with Asia.

If you have a particular skill or just want to become more involved please email leadershipnetwork@asianz.org.nz and let us know what you can do!

Joining the Leadership Network

The latest Leadership Network application round is currently open.

The next application round will open April 2024

Advisory Board

The Leadership Network is supported by an Advisory Board  who help steer the network’s direction and check how it is performing against its strategic objectives.  They help run activities and keep members up to date with what’s happening in their regions and the broader network.  The Advisory Board is also a valuable source of information for new members who may have questions about the Network and the opportunities it provides.

To contact the Advisory Board, email LNadvisoryboard@asianz.org.nz.

Leadership Network Frequently Asked Questions

Have a query you need an answer to? Check here for answers