helping those who help

in aotearoa new zealand and the pacific.

Hot off the press

 MEDIA RELEASE - Sound the sirens: Are voluntary associations under attack?

A social enterprise that supports thousands of non-profits across the country, LEAD Centre for Not for Profit Governance and Leadership, is sounding the alarm on an unprecedented tax and fee grab from the country’s voluntary and community organisations.

 

LEAD co-director, Garth Nowland-Foreman, asked today, “What has this government got against community groups and member associations? And where is the Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, when a regulatory barrage is being unleashed on the sector?”

 

“At a time when social cohesion in this country has dropped below that of our Australian neighbours, membership associations are one of the most important vehicles in helping to build stronger communities, practice democracy, and support social cohesion.”   

Click below for the full Media Release - 15 May 2025

what we do

Leading in the not-for-profit sector can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At LEAD, we support community CEOs and board members, helping you embrace the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for impactful change.

With over 28,000 charities in New Zealand, not for profits face intense scrutiny. Leading in this space is courageous but often messy work - let us help you LEAD the way.

who we are

Since 1999, the LEAD team has provided training to thousands of community leaders and boards, spoken at conferences, and written multiple published papers and resources on effective leadership and governance.

No matter your mission, whether it’s promoting kiwi living in suburban backyards, combating child trafficking or empowering the deaf community to have their voice heard, your organisation requires sound, professional and effective governance.

The team at LEAD understands these challenges. We are experts in non-profit governance and organisational capability building.

Let us help you transition from good to great, maintain optimism and passion and build a more just and inclusive world.

upcoming courses and events

Choose from our array of online workshops, courses, launches, and tailored group forums, and let our team of not for profit experts guide, challenge and inspire you.

our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter for all the news in the not-for-profit world, and upcoming LEAD events, courses, training, and more.

LEAD LIGHTLY

100 New Sustainability Leaders in 2025 
 

LEAD is thrilled to launch LEAD Lightly, a new initiative designed to equip not-for-profit leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into environmental sustainability leadership - no matter what community sector they work in. It is our goal to recruit 100 new not-for-profit leaders in sustainability in 2025.

We need your help!

training sessions

Strengthen your leadership and develop your team by attending a LEAD training event.

Our training events are filled with tools, tips, approaches and frameworks, informed by research and evaluation, and underpinned by principles of community-led development.

Let us give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and create change.

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