Manako Nui Four Day Leadership Programme - Culturally Authentic Leadership

Manako Nui is an immersive four-day values-based leadership program designed to empower and develop managers and leaders who are deeply connected to their own authenticity and capable of navigating the unique cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand with confidence and integrity.

Rooted in Māori values and principles, this transformative experience provides a powerful framework for understanding and embodying culturally authentic leadership. Through a blend of experiential learning, insightful discussions, cultural immersion, and practical tools, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural awareness.

Manako Nui supports leaders to identify their core values, understand how their cultural background shapes their leadership style, and develop the skills to lead inclusively and effectively in a diverse Aotearoa New Zealand.

During the Manako Nui Programme you will: 

• Explore the foundations of culturally authentic leadership: Understand the key elements of leading with genuine self-awareness and cultural intelligence.

• Deep dive into core Māori values and their application to leadership: Discover how principles like rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga and wairuatanga can enrich and inform your leadership practice.

• Enhance self-awareness and cultural intelligence: Gain a deeper understanding of your own cultural lens and develop the capacity to appreciate and navigate diverse cultural perspectives.

• Develop skills for inclusive and equitable leadership: Learn practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments and making culturally responsive decisions.

• Build a supportive network of like-minded leaders: Connect with your peers on a similar journey of cultural leadership development.

• Develop your own personal leadership development plan: Identify SMART actions to integrate culturally authentic leadership into your ongoing practice.  

Manako Nui is more than just a leadership program; it's an opportunity to reflect on who you are as a leader, understand the power of cultural awareness, and lead with authenticity and impact in the unique context of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Day One: Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Power of Cultural Transformation 

We critically analyse the evolution of Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within historical, contemporary, and future contexts. Participants will visit He Tohu, where original copies of Te Tiriti are housed. We explore our journey from pre-signing to contemporary Te Tiriti issues, reflecting on our past, assessing our present, and envisioning the future.  We will analyse a case study around organisational transformation underpinned by a Te Tiriti o Waitangi foundation.  Guest speaker and case study on organisational Te Tiriti based cultural transformation.

Day Two: Te Ao Māori - Rangatiratanga and Leadership     

Participants will explore the contrasting approaches of Kupe and Captain Cook to exploration and discovery, offering a lens into different worldviews.  The day focuses on Māori philosophies and methodologies that guided our tūpuna (ancestors) and highlights how Mātauranga Māori continues to offer valuable insights and benefits to all New Zealanders. Guest speaker and case study on Kupe leadership model.

Day Three: Mana Whenua - Enduring Relationships and Partnerships  

We address essential questions such as: Who are Mana Whenua, and what role do they play? This day includes a visit to a mana whenua entity - the Wellington Tenths Trust and interaction with local mana whenua leadership. Participants will learn about the role and place of Mana Whenua and how to develop meaningful, collaborative and enduring relationships that provide mutual benefit.   Participants will spend the afternoon developing individual leadership plans.    

Day Four: Leadership in Action - Looking Forward   

Participants will spend the final day at Boomrock, Papanui Station envisioning the future of Aotearoa New Zealand and finalising their plans needed to realise that vision. Participants will develop and test their individual leadership plans with their colleagues and present these to a leadership panel for critical feedback, sharing, and learning. The programme concludes with our graduation and final presentation of Manako Nui taonga to acknowledge each participant's journey.  We conclude the day with a shared lunch and depart early afternoon back to Wellington. 

Who this programme is suited for:

Established Leaders: Experienced leaders looking to deepen their understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural landscape and strengthen their inclusive leadership practice

Emerging Leaders: Individuals stepping into leadership roles who want to build a strong foundation grounded in authenticity and cultural awareness.

Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs: Individuals seeking to build ethical, sustainable businesses that reflect the values and cultural landscape of Aotearoa.

Educators and Facilitators: Those shaping future leaders who want to embed culturally authentic leadership principles into their teaching and practice.

Personal Growth Seekers: Anyone committed to self-development and a deeper understanding of leadership within Aotearoa New Zealand's unique cultural context.

Manako Nui is for anyone who recognises the importance of leading with genuine self-awareness, cultural intelligence, and deep respect for the bicultural foundation and multi-cultural makeup of our Aotearoa New Zealand society.  It's for those ready to move beyond surface-level leadership – and instead cultivate a leadership style that is culturally authentic, grounded, and uniquely shaped for Aotearoa New Zealand.