2026 Southland Youth Leadership academy
Growing Young Leaders for Southland’s Tomorrow
Launched in 2024, the Southland Youth Leadership Academy (SYLA) is a proven leadership programme designed in Southland, for Southland.
In 2026, SYLA will deliver three intakes supporting young people to grow confidence, leadership capability and real-world business readiness.
Building on the success of the 2024 pilot, SYLA equips young employees with the skills, connections and mindset to step into leadership — in their workplaces, communities and future careers.
What is SYLA?
The Southland Youth Leadership Academy (SYLA) is a structured, academy-style programme, our four core pillars cover:
- Business Leadership – supported by McIntyre Dick
- Governance Skills – supported by SBS Bank
- Work-world Readiness – supported by South Port
- Entrepreneurship – supported by COIN South
Through small, cohort-based intakes, participants learn directly from local business leaders, explore real workplaces, and build strong peer connections in a supportive, high-trust environment.
SYLA is guided by Mana Taiohi youth development principles, facilitated by Te Rourou’s Community Catalyst Stacy Hughes, ensuring the programme stays relevant, engaging and grounded in real experiences.
What’s involved?
Each SYLA intake runs over six weeks, with one session per week (Fridays, 12pm–3pm).
Each session includes three key elements:
Personal growth and self-awareness
Participants build confidence, explore their leadership style, and develop practical skills they can apply immediately at work and in life.
Inspiring guest speakers and field trips
Young people hear honest, real stories from Southland business leaders and community figures, alongside site visits and hands-on experiences.
Reflection, collaboration and co-design
Participants work together, reflect on their learning, and contribute ideas that help shape the programme as it runs.
Each intake concludes with a graduation event, where whānau, employers and partners are invited to celebrate participants’ achievements.
2026 Programme
In 2026, SYLA will run three intakes, creating more opportunities for young people across the region to take part:
- Intake One: 17 April – 22 May 2026
- Intake Two: 12 June – 17 July 2026
- Intake Three: 11 September – 16 October 2026
Each intake includes up to 12 participants, ensuring a personalised, high-impact experience.
Who should apply?
SYLA is designed for young people who are:
- Aged 18–24 years
- In their first five years of employment
- Identified by their employer or educator as having leadership potential
We’re looking for participants who demonstrate:
- A desire to grow as a leader
- A “spark” or quality that sets them apart
- Openness to new opportunities and experiences
- Willingness to collaborate, contribute ideas and learn alongside others
Young people who may not have had access to leadership programmes before are strongly encouraged to apply
What you’ll gain
By the end of SYLA, participants will:
- Lead with greater confidence in work and life
- Better understand their strengths and leadership style
- Communicate more effectively in professional settings
- Build lasting connections with peers, mentors and Southland’s business community
- Feel empowered to step into leadership opportunities now — not “someday”
A legacy of leadership
SYLA is more than a course — it’s about growing a community of future leaders who will help shape Southland’s future.
Graduates are invited to join the Southland Leadership Academy Alumni network and may continue their leadership journey through:
- The Southland Leadership Academy
- Governance and leadership development opportunities
The sky’s the limit for young people ready to take the next step.
Empowering through partnership
We are incredibly grateful to our generous funding partners who have helped bring SYLA to life. Their support ensures the future of Southland’s youth leadership is bright. If your organisation would like to sponsor a local rangatahi to attend a future SYLA intake or support this inspiring programme, please reach out to us.
