Next generation of surf lifesaving leaders announced for bp Leaders for Life 2025–26

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the successful candidates for the 2025–26 intake of the bp Leaders for Life programme, an advanced leadership development initiative that is now entering its 11th year, with ongoing support from bp.

This year, 18 outstanding candidates have been selected from a record-breaking 86 applicants, the highest number of applications the programme has ever received. The group includes 17 members from across the country and one from Australia, marking the third year the programme has welcomed a participant from Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).

SLSNZ Member Development and Engagement Officer, Poppy Crouch says strong ongoing demand for the programme highlights the positive impact that its graduates have on their clubs and in their communities.

“We had 86 applicants which shows how committed our young people are to developing their leadership skills and stepping up to help lead the future of surf lifesaving in New Zealand. We’re incredibly proud to support that growth,” she says.

This year’s programme begins in August 2025 in the Bay of Plenty, and will run through to May 2026, with face-to-face workshops held in Papamoa, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Mount Maunganui.

The curriculum includes expert-led sessions with a diverse range of mentors, hands-on activities, and inspiring guest speakers – all designed to help candidates take their club and regional leadership to the next level.

SLSNZ CEO Steve Fisher says that strong leadership has a direct impact on outcomes for SLSNZ clubs and the communities they serve.

“That’s why leadership development was embedded into our new national strategy last year, investing in future leaders ensures our movement remains resilient, innovative, and community-focused,” he says.

The programme also includes ten carefully selected mentors, chosen from 28 applicants, who will work alongside each candidate throughout the year. These mentors play a vital role in bridging workshop learning with real-world challenges in surf lifesaving clubs.

“Mentorship is a cornerstone of bp Leaders for Life,” says Poppy Crouch.

“The one-on-one guidance and support our mentors offer helps bring the programme to life and often results in lifelong professional and personal connections.”

For the third year running, SLSNZ will also benefit from the insights of a candidate from Surf Life Saving Australia. The collaboration strengthens cross-Tasman understanding, builds international relationships, and creates future opportunities for both countries.

“It’s hugely valuable to work alongside our SLSA Education colleagues to strengthen leadership pathways across both nations. Together we’re improving outcomes for lifesaving communities on both sides of the Tasman,” says Belinda Slement, National Education Manager at SLSNZ.

The 2025–26 programme will be led by an exemplary facilitation team with diverse lifesaving and professional backgrounds, including new Lead Facilitator Jacob Davies, following Kate Suter’s recent move to Australia.

SLSNZ is incredibly grateful for the continued support of bp New Zealand, who have backed the bp Leaders for Life programme since 2014.

“We wouldn’t be able to run a bespoke leadership programme of this calibre without the long-standing support of bp. They’ve been unwavering champions of surf lifesaving leadership for more than a decade, and their support continues to create real impact,” says Belinda Slement.

bp's relationship with SLSNZ has spanned more than five decades, and Haley Mahoney, Head of Country for bp New Zealand highlights that the bp Leaders for Life programme is one of the many ways bp continues to back the surf lifesaving movement and the future leaders who will help it thrive.

“bp is incredibly proud of our enduring partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand which dates back to 1968 – making it what is believed to be the longest unbroken corporate partnership in New Zealand history,” she says.

“Supporting the bp Leaders for Life programme is one way we help ensure strong, capable leadership continues within the surf lifesaving movement, so it can keep making a difference in communities across Aotearoa for generations to come.”

2025–26 bp Leaders for Life Candidates

2025–26 bp Leaders for Life Mentors

2025–26 bp Leaders for Life Facilitators