Twelve young surf lifeguards selected for prestigious Ngaru Huhuka leadership programme 

Twelve young surf lifeguards from clubs across Aotearoa have been selected to take part in the prestigious Ngaru Huhuka leadership programme, which runs from 22 August to 11 September 2025. 

The bespoke course, delivered by Outward Bound in partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), is designed specifically for emerging surf lifesaving leaders and forms an important step on the SLSNZ leadership development pathway, with strong links to its flagship bp Leaders for Life programme. 

Outward Bound is an adventure-based experience located in the Marlborough Sounds, that uses the outdoors to challenge participants mentally and physically. Its mission is ‘better people, better communities, better world’.  

Ngaru Huhuka, a metaphor meaning ‘the foaming wave’, is designed like the wave after which it is named. During the programme, participants build energy and anticipation as they prepare for the course, peak, and the foaming wave breaks as the course ends, with the energy spreading into leadership opportunities throughout their lives. The programme is much more than just a course, it’s a chance for participants to challenge themselves physically and mentally, build resilience, and forge lifelong connections with fellow surf lifeguards from clubs and regions around the country. 

Belinda Slement, the National Education Manager at SLSNZ says the partnership with Outward Bound offers something truly unique for the organisation’s future leaders, and a chance to conquer fears and overcome self-perceived limitations. 

“Outward Bound delivers incredible experiential programmes, and we’re incredibly lucky to be able to offer this tailored leadership experience to our members as a leadership development pathway. Developing leadership is vital for the future of our movement, both in our clubs and in the communities we serve. This course gives our young lifeguards the tools, confidence and connections to step up and lead.” 

The selected participants, aged between 18 and 26, will spend 21 days immersed in an outdoor learning environment designed to push boundaries, build teamwork, and foster personal growth. 

Poppy Crouch, the Member Development & Engagement Officer at SLSNZ says the programme will test the participants to their limits. 

“This is a challenging programme. It’s designed to push the participants to their limits and beyond, to show them that they’re capable of so much more than they might believe,” she says. 

“Our young leaders within the SLSNZ community will have the opportunity to put their phones away and spend three weeks in Te Ao Tūroa (the natural world), focusing on becoming better leaders. They will come out of the experience with a new confidence that will help them to make fast and effective decisions, increased resilience and determination, a greater appreciation of diversity and diverse thought, and a greater ability to remain calm under pressure.” 

Dani Shepherd, Youth Development Manager at SLSNZ says the programme is a transformational experience for the participants. 

“This is a fantastic programme to be able to offer to our rangatahi, one that that will not only develop them as leaders in the club space, but also within their personal and professional lives,” she says. 

The Ngaru Huhuka course is part of SLSNZ’s wider commitment to developing strong, capable, and connected leaders across the movement.  

For more information about the programme, click here.  

ENDS 

2025 Ngaru Huhuka Participants: