Governance Internship Programme
The Southland Business Chamber is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of business leaders through impactful initiatives like the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme, a wide range of professional development programmes, and the Southland Leadership Academy.
Recognising the pivotal role governance plays in the leadership journey, we launched the Governance Internship Programme in 2019. This initiative provides Southland Leadership Academy Alumni with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on board experience, fostering the development of governance capabilities, knowledge, and skills.
How the programme works.
We invite Southland organisations to participate in this programme to help cultivate skilled, experienced leaders who are ready to govern and shape our province’s future.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Open to graduates of the Southland Leadership Academy who are eager to gain governance experience. Ideal candidates need to demonstrate a growth-focus, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse personalities.
- Tenure: Typically a 12 month internship, which may be divided into two six-month terms if multiple applicants are selected.
- Participation: Interns are non-voting board members, fully involved in meetings, networking events, and sub-committee duties, along with other board responsibilities.
- Commitment: Around six hours per month, depending on the organisation and project involvement.
- Agreements: Interns sign a Board Member Agreement and Confidentiality Agreement to formalise their role.
For Interns
- Hands-on exposure to governance at a board level
- Real-world experience in decision-making and strategic leadership
- Networking with experienced business and community leaders.
For Organisations
- Fresh perspectives and innovative insights from emerging leaders
- Contribution to the growth of Southland’s leadership talent.
Get Involved.
If you’re interested in becoming an intern or host an intern on your board, contact Joanne O’Connor to learn more. Together, we can shape the future for Southland governance.
Meet our Interns Interns
Intern testimonials, real words real impact
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The governance leadership opportunity has allowed me to connect with a range of Southland communities. I have valued the opportunity from Badminton Southland and the internship to gain board experience as a young leader in Southland. 
Reflecting on my 18 months internship with South Port NZ Ltd, Southland’s only NZX-listed company, I gained invaluable insights into governance sitting alongside six highly experienced Directors who guided my learning and understanding. Governance is a journey, but initiatives like the Leadership Academy and local internships provide significant opportunities to build skills and gain practical experience to be effective. 
I joined the Badminton Southland board as an intern in 2020 through the Chamber’s Governance Internship Programme. Through this program, I was able to gain insights to the operations of a local board, and play a part in critical decisions, including executive appointment and financial planning. What really made this experience special was the opportunity to contribute to a local community facility that’s loved by our team at Blue River. Empowering through partnership
We extend our sincere thanks to the organisations who have supported Southlanders in their governance journey, and promoted the opportunity for Leadership Academy Alumni to join their board.
