Kinetic has expanded its Lead the Way leadership program in New Zealand, welcoming a new group of 40 participants who will take part in professional development designed specifically for the company. The program aims to create clear pathways for progression and help employees strengthen leadership capability across the business.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with Pragmatic Thinking and is intended to support people in developing the skills and confidence needed to lead teams, workplaces and communities. Participants join a broader network of leaders from across Kinetic’s Australasia operations.
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Director of People, Culture and Safety Nicky Harrison says the program focuses on practical leadership skills.
“We know that great leaders don’t just manage tasks, they inspire people. Lead the Way is about giving our members of our team who exhibit great leadership potential the skills and confidence to do just that, while also nurturing their own growth and resilience,” Harrison says.
The program combines immersive sessions with flexible virtual learning. Participants cover topics including understanding their management style, holding effective conversations and building everyday leadership capability.
Napier Depot Manager Sofie Tane, one of the first New Zealand participants earlier this year, says the experience offered practical tools for real workplace situations.
“This wasn’t your average leadership course. We dug deep into our mindset as leaders, one of my favourite topics was why we sometimes avoid tough conversations,” Tane says.
She says the program helped build confidence in approaching more challenging interactions.
“Although I still find it uncomfortable to approach those difficult conversations, knowing I have the tools to navigate them, gives me the confidence to initiate them,” Tane says.
Participants include leaders from a wide range of teams and departments, including General Managers, Depot Managers, Workshop Managers and Support Services staff. The program’s structure is designed to encourage collaboration and connection across roles.
Kinetic New Zealand has been named an Excellence Awardee finalist in the Employer of Choice category (over 200 staff) at the HRD Awards New Zealand 2025, with winners to be announced on 19 November. Earlier this year, the company received HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice recognition.
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