Next Level
Gain the mindset, skills and courage to lead
Will 2025 be the year you achieve your Next Level?
Join more than 200 women who have discovered their 'why' and built the courage to lead and influence in the food and fibre sector and rural communities.
Next Level is a six-month leadership and governance development programme designed to empower, inspire and motivate you to unlock and grow your leadership capabilities.
Whether it’s navigating the next step in your career, breaking through the personal barriers that hold you back, or lead through change in the food and fibre sector and rural communities – find your ‘why’ and fulfill your potential with Next Level.
The Next Level journey
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Break through internal barriers to find confidence and courage
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Develop a leader's mindset
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Find new ways to motivate and lead others
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Understand and develop greater influencing ability
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Build robust communication skills that won’t wilt under pressure
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Connect with a tribe of like-minded, supportive women
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Create a personalised plan of action, including a governance CV
Click here to download the 2025 information pack
2025 Locations and dates
| Location | Module 1 | Module 2 & Graduation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | Tue 6 - Thu 8 May | Tue 4 - Thu 6 Nov | Registrations open |
| Palmerston North | Tue 13 - Thu 15 May | Tue 11 - Thu 13 Nov | Registrations open |
| Wellington | Tue 9 - Thu 11 Sep | Tue 9 - Thu 11 Mar 2026 | Registrations open |
Fees and funding
The Next Level programme fee is $4,500+ GST excluding travel and accommodation expenses. At the time of registration a minimum deposit of $500+GST is required to secure your place. If you require an invoice for this instead please email rachel@awdt.org.nz. Funding may be available to you through the Regional Business Partner Network where this programme is a registered service. If you would like to discuss fees and funding feel free to call us in the office on 06 370 2568. View our refund policy here.
- Kate Stewart - The confidence to create my career
- Karen McDonald
- Jaimee Coulter
- Amy Francis
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Kate Stewart - The confidence to create my career
Next Level graduate Kate Stewart on taking charge of her future in agriculture, following the AWDT leadership and governance development programme.
"I have a checklist now to vet any new opportunities that come my way. Its called the ‘is this what Kate wants and is good at’ checklist."
For Kate Stewart, Next Level was about taking ownership of her new career. At 24-years old, the Palmerston North local and Dairy NZ regional consulting officer was considering new leadership opportunities, but unsure of where to turn next.
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Karen McDonald
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Jaimee Coulter
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Amy Francis
Programme aims
- Break-through internal barriers to find confidence and courage
- Develop a leader's mindset
- Find new ways to motivate and lead
- Understand and develop greater influencing ability
- Own communication skills that don't wilt under pressure
- Connect with a tribe of like-minded, supportive women
- Create a personalised plan of action, including a governance CV
Programme details
Modules & pre/inter-module learning
Expert facilitators work with your group over 2 or 3 modules covering core development areas. Pre-module tasks support meaningful learning and stimulate thinking, while inter-module work cements learning, taking classroom theory to practical application. Self-directed online modules and 2 additional group Zoom meetings support your development across eight topics.
Developing networks
Several opportunities throughout the year to meet, learn from and influence industry leaders and professionals.
Your cohort-for-life
Each programme is limited to 14 women for in-person and 10 for online to learn and grow together.
Coaching support
Your personal executive coach supports your leadership journey across the programme, helping to overcome barriers and seize opportunities.
What the Next Level Alumni have to say
"I thought I was on a mission to find my "why". Actually I had that all along, it was my "how" that needed clarity. I now see myself as a leader and endeavour to always act as a leader, using a positive voice to advocate for and influence within our industry and community.”
“Next Level has refocused me - made me consider further education, broadening my networks and being part of governance roles outside of my business.”
“Next Level affirmed the skills I have and gave me the confidence in my abilities to put myself out there.”
“I now listen to hear, not listen to reply. I take time to understand where someone is coming from and how best to approach the subject.”
