BP Leaders for Life deemed a huge success

The latest instalment of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's (SLSNZ) BP Leaders for Life Programme has officially wrapped up in Wellington, after a year of hard work by young leaders around New Zealand.

The group of 15 participants, who are all SLSNZ members, worked on projects to build their leadership skills and foster personal development which will benefit communities around New Zealand.

Spread over five workshops throughout the country, the groups of men and women aged from 20-35 years old, were assigned topics to work on throughout the year including rock navigation training, membership retention and community adult education.

Member Development Manager, Belinda Slement, said the 2017-2018 programme has been "a huge success" with both the projects and participants benefitting from the new format.

"It's a real highlight to see the participants develop in front of your eyes and work with such passion on important projects like community adult education."

This year marked the first time the programme ran in its current format, which Mrs Slement said has contributed to the greater success of the programme.

"It is pretty clear with the quality of this year's group that the changes made to the delivery of the programme have worked. This year's group have shown clear progress in their leadership skills and personal development.

"All of the participants and everyone at Surf Life Saving New Zealand would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to BP who fund this programme, giving these young people the opportunity to grow."

BP Communications Manager Leigh Taylor says BP is proud to be involved in the BP Leaders for Life programme year after year.

"It really is so much more than just a leadership programme- we've seen how the benefits extend beyond the individual participant into their clubs and the local community and we look forward to seeing that benefit continue for this year's candidates," she says. 

Mrs Slement says SLSNZ would also like to extend its thanks to Surf Life Saving Eastern Region partner Zespri who made scholarships available to the Eastern Region participants from Pauanui, Whangamata, Papamoa and Mount Maunganui.

SLSNZ wish to offer their congratulations to the BP Leaders for Life Class of 2018:

Bradley Kehoe- Mangawhai Heads

Michael Buck- Mairangi Bay

Sam Teteina- Bethells

Ella Boyens- Raglan

Mark Gordon- United North Piha

Felix Cook- Mount Maunganui

Joanne Parry- Pukehina

Alexandra Beggs- Pauanui

Natalie Wilson- Whangamata

Kathryn Stewart- Papamoa

Casey Stevens- New Plymouth Old Boys

Brook Smith- Opunake

Pavee Ruksaksakul- Lyall Bay

Elis Hickson Rowden- Worser Bay

SLSNZ is now inviting applications from members around the country to take part in the 2018-19 programme. The successful candidates will meet at a series of five workshops around the country between July 2018 and May 2019.

Mrs Slement says this is a fantastic opportunity for Surf Life Saving members to develop their leadership skills.

"I highly encourage members to apply now and they too can reap the benefits that this programme has offered to the numerous candidates that have participated in previous years," she says.  

Applications close this Sunday, May 13. Click here for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Alana McIsaac, Media & Communications Manager
Phone 027 515 7157
Email media@surflifesaving.org.nz