Surf Life Saving NZ announces 2019/20 BP Leaders for Life class

This year’s top leadership development class of Surf Life Saving NZ lifeguards and members from throughout the country has been announced.

BP Leaders for Life began in 2011 as a way for Surf Life Saving NZ to develop current and future leaders to strengthen the organisation and encourage innovation and collaboration.

Participants go through a careful selection process which resulted in 15 men and women, aged from 20 to 35 years old, with enthusiasm for rolling up their sleeves to make a difference.

Throughout the year they will undertake projects and meet at weekend workshops to hear from top leadership speakers. They will learn about good communication, leadership skills, their own strengths and weaknesses, the organisation and its strengths and challenges, how things work at different clubs, and how to make positive change or develop a new project within the organisation.

Programme coordinator Gavin Mason says BP Leaders for Life has been producing exciting results.

One of the projects from the 2018/19 BP Leaders for Life class developed into the successful Wahine on Water series of training workshops to encourage more women to train as IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) rescue drivers and crew.

“It’s great to see what comes out of these groups of leaders, they make a real difference in their clubs, and across the wider organisation,” Mason says.

Demand to take part was high this year, with 40 “very high calibre” applications received, which made the selection process challenging, Mason says.

“The popularity is thanks to the fantastic work we have seen come out the programme in the past, and the high praise participants give it.

“Holding the programme over 10 months allows for great engagement with the participants, and allows the chance to take a look at in-depth issues and to produce some quality project outcomes,” he says.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Dalton says developing future leaders is a good investment.

“We’re pleased to have this fantastic group, who will add new ideas and perspectives to our organisation, and take their learning and enthusiasm back to their clubs.
“Congratulations to all of the participants who have been selected, we have a rich pool of talent in our clubs, and this group shows that.”

BP Managing Director Debi Boffa added her support; “BP is incredibly proud to support the BP Leaders for Life programme. It’s a fantastic initiative and we know that those participating will develop valuable skills and experience that they, their clubs, and the local communities will benefit from.”

BP sponsors the programme, as the two organisations have aligned values in growing young leaders and their generous contribution subsidises the costs for all volunteer participants. The four Eastern Region participants (from Tairua SLSC, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, Omanu SLSC and Whangamata SLSC) have also been granted Zespri scholarships so they can attend for free.

“We’re really grateful for this support, and we can promise that it’s a good investment that will do a lot to help our clubs with their ultimate aim, to help save lives,” Mason says.

The 2019/20 BP Leaders For Life group will start their programme on July 6, at their first workshop, in the Bay of Plenty.

The 2019/20 BP Leaders For Life Group:

Victoria Mulrennan United North Piha SLSC
David Galuszka Raglan SLSC
Shannon Swann Kariaotahi SLSC
Anneliese Simpson Tairua SLSC
Adriana Bird Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.
Gabriel Puckey-Brockelsby Omanu SLSC
Dominic Sutton Whangamata SLSC
J'adoube Elkington Titahi Bay SLSC
Cameron Turchie Lyall Bay SLSC
Adam Beavis Fitzroy SLSC
Simon Kay Pacific SLSC
Luke Smith Taylors Mistake SLSC
Taylor Rogers Rarangi SLSC
Blake Porteous Brighton SLSC
Rachael Cleeve Waimari SLSC

Ends

** File photos for Surf Life Saving NZ can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Gavin Mason, Surf Life Saving NZ programme coordinator for BP Leaders for Life
Phone: 021 832 000; Email: Gavin.Mason@surflifesaving.org.nz

Surf Life Saving NZ media and communications
Phone: 04 560 0334, 021 636 647; Email: media@surflifesaving.org.nz