Leadership Academy :: University of Waikato

51 NI schools have participated in the Academy

294 students have completed LEAD Connect

WMS is in the top 1% of business school worldwide

Waikato ranks top 151–175 globally for Business & Economics

The Waikato Management School Leadership Academy was established with a clear purpose: Supercharging impact and careers through leadership.

The Leadership Academy is an engaging and supportive environment which fosters the growth in capability, confidence, and character of ambitious and self-motivated Year 13 students.

Participants come from diverse leadership backgrounds, illustrating our commitment to nurturing leadership potential.

The programme is ideal for students who demonstrate leadership capability, whether through formal or informal roles within their school or community. It includes a first-year UniStart paper, offering an opportunity for students to explore university study while engaging with world-class leadership training.

Students engage with leadership concepts and training and explore how to find their own unique voice and clarify their own values. They will be able to apply these skills in their schools and communities and help others develop as leaders.

The 2025 WMS Leadership Academy – Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) registrations now open

LEAD Connect

March to June 2025. Each year the programme launches with an in-person event during term one. Early in term two, cohorts join through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions at our Hamilton campus.

LEAD Online

May to August 2025. A flexible, personalised learning experience with one-on-one tutorials, remote access, self-nomination, and a tailored final assessment, making it ideal for students balancing other commitments or studying from different locations.

Commitment

For eligible domestic students, fees would be covered by the Unistart scholarship so there are no costs for students or your school.

A fee is required for international students, and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

For LEAD Connect students there will be some travel involved, so there might be the need for car-pooling and travel to the locations where the cohorts meet locally, or to our Hamilton campus twice in the year.

The total time commitment for students will be approximately 150 hours. This is made up of the readings, assessments, on campus events, online tutorials and leadership activities that the students will already be involved in through school.

The Leadership Academy

Hear from some of the students and teachers who have taken part in The Leadership Academy.

WMS Leadership Academy team

Jamie Fitzgerald

Executive Leadership Fellow (BCS, University of Waikato)

Jamie is passionate about helping people realise their potential by co-creating an inspiring purpose, effective goal-setting and communication. Jamie is the CEO of his consultancy business, Inspiring Performance. and a Distinguished Alumnus of Waikato Management School. An avid adventurer, he has walked unaided to the South Pole and holds the world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. In 2011, Jamie managed the design and delivery of training to 7000+ Rugby World Cup 2011 volunteers.

Kerstin Lemke

Leadership Academy Paper Convenor

Kerstin is the Convenor for the Leadership courses. With extensive leadership experience in the education sector and international work experience, Kerstin is passionate about supporting young leadership talents to reach their full potential by blending theory and practice. She embraces change and challenges in both life and work situations, and encourages being brave in leadership and pursuing your dreams. Outside of the professional life, Kerstin enjoys hiking, cycling, and exploring new countries and cultures, which continually inspire her approach to leadership and education.

Hannah Hall

Divisional Manager - Students, Waikato Management School

Hannah leads the charge in ensuring students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. With over a decade of experience in the education industry and a real passion for student success, Hannah is committed to making Waikato Management School the place to be for students to thrive and accomplish their goals. She can provide information, guidance and support to help ensure the students' success in the Leadership Academy.

Ros Elliott

Student Engagement Coordinator, Waikato Management School

Ros is the first point of contact for students in the Leadership Academy. With decades of experience in secondary and tertiary education, Ros brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her background as a careers advisor has fueled her passion for helping students realise their potential. Ros is dedicated to guiding and supporting students as they navigate their educational and career paths, encouraging them to succeed.