New Plymouth, New Zealand – July 16, 2025 – The world’s first Blanchard Institute Student Self Leadership Day took place yesterday in New Plymouth, marking a milestone event for youth leadership development. Over 200 secondary school students from across Taranaki gathered for the one-day programme, which was proudly organised by CATE Taranaki and hosted at the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS).

The initiative is the first of its kind globally, bringing the renowned Blanchard Institute’s Self Leadership model directly to students in person — equipping them with practical tools to understand and lead themselves effectively in school, work, and life.

Blanchard Aotearoa New Zealand brought together an expert team of facilitators and speakers for the day:

  • Dave Cordery (Consulting Partner of Blanchard Aotearoa NZ, based in Tauranga)
  • Tim Waite (Leadership Coach, based in Hāwera)
  • Mariska Botha (Leadership Facilitator, New Plymouth)
  • Prajesh Chhanabhai (Head of Learning and Development), AUT University)
  • Marina Shearer (Leadership and Coaching Specialist, North Canterbury)

Students were actively engaged in a series of interactive sessions and workshops exploring:

  • How to identify and overcome their Assumed Constraints
  • Setting Goals that are Clear and Compelling
  • Diagnosing their Development Level on goals so they know what they Need Matching their Needs with the Right Kind of Leadership Solution

One student reflected: “Learning about the different ways people can have power has shown me that everyone has power — we are all just different in the areas we show that power. Because of this experience, I will try harder to flip the assumed constraints into positive affirmations.”

CATE Taranaki Chairperson [Aaron Lock ] said, “This event is a game-changer. Giving students direct access to globally respected leadership models at this stage of life plants the seeds of confidence, direction, and agency.”

The success of the event signals strong momentum for future initiatives aimed at empowering rangatahi through world-class personal development frameworks.

About the Blanchard Institute
The Blanchard Institute is a global leader in leadership development, known for evidence-based programmes including SLII®. The Student Self Leadership programme is designed to equip young people with the mindset, skillset and toolkit to take ownership of their learning, work, and future.