bp Leaders for Life graduates – making a positive impact for our community

Congratulations to our 18 graduates from the bp Leaders for Life 2025-26 cohort, who gave their final presentations on Saturday 9 May and concluded a transformational 10-month journey. Each leader presented their own unique leadership journey for an audience made up of their mentors, course facilitators, the SLSNZ whanau; including president Jim Warwick and special guest from bp, Jessica Milch.

Hosted by SLS Kariaotahi , the day was a celebration of personal and professional growth, marking the culmination of a programme designed to empower our people to lead their clubs and our movement towards a sustainable, thriving future.

Over the past ten months, the cohort has travelled across the country for a series of immersive workshops. Beginning their journey in Papamoa back in August, these 18 outstanding individuals have tackled key themes such as the Surf Life Saving Leadership Framework, problem solving, relationship building, active listening, and self-awareness. Guided by adult learning principles, they have explored their leadership identity, learning how to build trust and mobilise teams.

A cornerstone of the bp Leaders for Life programme is that it bridges workshop learning with real world challenges. Working closely with their dedicated leadership mentors and an exemplary team of facilitators, candidates have translated theory into practice. This support network has helped candidates navigate their leadership goals and also sparked lifelong connections across the motu.

The programme's impact extends far beyond the beach. As well as preparing these young members for roles across surf lifesaving - from board and committee positions to lead instructors and examiners - the skills developed will serve them well in their professional careers.

"The calibre of this year’s group of young leaders is absolutely fantastic," said Member Development and Engagement Officer Poppy Crouch. "Seeing their dedication to the movement and their personal growth over the last ten months has been incredibly rewarding. We look forward to watching them develop further as they take these new skills back to the beach, leading their clubs and communities into a strong future."

This year's cohort also highlighted the continued strength of our trans-Tasman relationship, with Surf Life Saving Australia member Mollie Murphy completing the journey alongside her New Zealand counterparts.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of bp New Zealand. Their partnership with SLSNZ dates back to 1968, and is believed to be the longest unbroken corporate partnership in New Zealand. By subsidising this programme, bp ensures that strong, capable leadership continues to grow within the surf lifesaving movement.

Jessica Milch – Health, Safety & Environment Manager from bp participated in the programme as a member of the bp Leadership Panel team, who attended to share and inspire the group with their own leadership stories, back in October 2025. She was at Kariaotahi on Saturday to congratulate graduates, and gift each a copy of Quiet Power by Susan Cain, a book which had been referenced and recommended to the group of developing leaders by some of the bp team.

The SLSNZ team is incredibly proud of all bp Leaders for Life graduates and we look forward to seeing the positive ripple effect they will have into the future.

2025–26 bp Leaders for Life Candidates