25 June 2025
Leadership Academy Graduation – Intake 31
Last night we celebrated the final night of the 31st Southland Leadership Academy intake!
Over the past eight weeks, this group has dedicated a remarkable amount of time and energy—two hours each week—to investing in themselves, growing their leadership capabilities, and strengthening the impact they bring to their teams and workplaces.
Congratulations to our newest alumni:
- Andrew Leith, Leith Shearing Ltd
- Belinda Brown, Sir John Kirwan Foundation
- Bonny Lawrence, Fonterra
- Bronwyn Campbell, Adaptive Health and Safety
- Damian Storey, Hato Hone St John
- Jason Wright, Carters Tyre Service
- Jeremy Anderson, Grass Roots Farming Ltd
- Kelly-Anne Findlay, Carters Tyre Service
- Mas Sajoudi, Invercargill City Council
- Matt McRae, Mokoreta Genetics
- Nikki Burke, Gore and Clutha Women’s Refuge
- Tim Watt, Raeymore Farming Ltd
A huge thank you to our Inspirers for sharing their stories, challenges and leadership insights; Rachel Lock (McIntyre Dick), Danny Leonard (PowerNet), Paddy O’Brien (World Rugby), Jason Tibble (Gallaway Cook Allan), Dean Addie (T4 Group), Robert Boekhout (Blue River Dairy LP), Sumaria Beaton (Awarua Synergy), Shaun Drylie (Carbn Group Holdings).
We also loved hearing from local community champions, Paul Duffy, Julie Keast, Jo Brand, Pam Yorke, Ceri MacLeod and Bobbi Brown.
Special thanks to our partners at Southland District Council for championing leadership growth in their region, and to Fonterra Edendale for providing such a warm and welcoming venue each week.
Here’s to another outstanding intake of Southland leaders—ready to make waves!