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Taimania chosen for national Surf Life Saving leadership development

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July 15, 2025

Leaders for Life programme.

Taimania Hinds.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the successful candidates for the 2025–26 intake of the bp Leaders for Life programme, an advanced leadership development initiative that is now entering its 11th year, with ongoing support from bp.

This year, 18 outstanding candidates have been selected from a record-breaking 86 applicants, the highest number of applications the programme has ever received. The group includes 17 members from across the country and one from Australia, marking the third year the programme has welcomed a participant from Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).

Taimania Hinds, Chair of Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service, is one of those selected.

Taimania is also a nurse at Mercury Bay Medical Centre, plays squash, netball and football. She coaches a Senior Girls Basketball team.

SLSNZ Member Development and Engagement Officer, Poppy Crouch says strong ongoing demand for the programme highlights the positive impact that its graduates have on their clubs and in their communities.

“We had 86 applicants which shows how committed our young people are to developing their leadership skills and stepping up to help lead the future of surf lifesaving in New Zealand. We’re incredibly proud to support that growth,” she says.

This year’s programme begins in August 2025 in the Bay of Plenty, and will run through to May 2026, with face-to-face workshops held in Papamoa, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Mount Maunganui.

The curriculum includes expert-led sessions with a diverse range of mentors, hands-on activities, and inspiring guest speakers – all designed to help candidates take their club and regional leadership to the next level.

SLSNZ CEO Steve Fisher says that strong leadership has a direct impact on outcomes for SLSNZ clubs and the communities they serve.

“That’s why leadership development was embedded into our new national strategy last year, investing in future leaders ensures our movement remains resilient, innovative, and community-focused,” he says.

The programme also includes ten carefully selected mentors, chosen from 28 applicants, who will work alongside each candidate throughout the year. These mentors play a vital role in bridging workshop learning with real-world challenges in surf lifesaving clubs.

“Mentorship is a cornerstone of bp Leaders for Life,” says Poppy Crouch.

“The one-on-one guidance and support our mentors offer helps bring the programme to life and often results in lifelong professional and personal connections.”

For the third year running, SLSNZ will also benefit from the insights of a candidate from Surf Life Saving Australia. The collaboration strengthens cross-Tasman understanding, builds international relationships, and creates future opportunities for both countries.

“It’s hugely valuable to work alongside our SLSA Education colleagues to strengthen leadership pathways across both nations. Together we’re improving outcomes for lifesaving communities on both sides of the Tasman,” says Belinda Slement, National Education Manager at SLSNZ.