Emerging Leader Award vs Leadership Hui … which is best for me?
Aquaculture New Zealand offer two leadership programmes for employees of our shareholder companies - Emerging Leader Award and the Leadership Hui.
Below is a table outlining the differences between these two programmes or scroll down for further information. Please note that applications for 2026 have now closed.
Emerging Leaders Award
2025 Emerging Leaders from left: Sean Pennells (Sanford), Will Evans (Clevedon Coast Oysters), Tee Hale Pennington (CE - Aquaculture New Zealand), Teremoana Hamblin (Talley’s), Hiroki Wada (Sanford)Now in its third year, the programme continues to deliver real value for both emerging leaders and their mentors. Feedback from our previous recipients shows the impact that one‑on‑one mentoring, shared experience, and industry connection can have on confidence, decision‑making, and leadership growth.
Previous recipients consistently say the awards helped them build confidence, leadership capability, and people‑management skills through one‑on‑one mentoring and real‑world advice.
They value the support, perspective, and practical tools gained from learning directly from experienced industry leaders.
Mentor, Mark Gillard, said the experience was equally rewarding.
“It’s a great feeling that I am making a difference to someone’s life experiences and adding to their skill base.”
Max Anderson, Team Leader with New Zealand King Salmon, applied for the programme to broaden his skills under experienced guidance.
“It was a great opportunity to develop my skill set under the guidance of someone with extensive experience in the industry.”
For Max, learning from real situations made the biggest impact.
“Hearing about real‑life scenarios that my mentor has encountered throughout his career and how he dealt with them has been the most valuable part.”
His mentor, Jaco Swart, Salmon Development Manager at Sanford at the time, says mentoring is about giving back to the industry.
“I have been fortunate to be part of an exciting industry and feel it is almost my duty to engage with the next generation of leaders.”
Harrison Mallabar, Team Leader with New Zealand King Salmon was encouraged to apply by his manager – and is glad he did.
“It has been an amazing opportunity. The one‑on‑one conversations with my mentor have been very helpful in gaining experience and tips around people management.”
Harrison’s mentor, Dane Kieser, Smolt Production Manager at New Zealand King Salmon, says the learning goes both ways.
“Finding similarities in our experiences and being able to learn from each other. The self‑reflection after each meeting has been valuable for both of us.”
AQNZ encourages organisations to think about emerging leaders who would benefit from this opportunity, (and experienced leaders who are keen to mentor).
“It has been an amazing opportunity. The one‑on‑one conversations with my mentor have been very helpful in gaining experience and tips around people management.”
Recipients will receive:
Complimentary entry to the two-day 2026 AQNZ conference, where they will also be presented their award
12-months mentoring from industry leaders
Professional development webinars throughout the year
Placement on the 2027 residential Leadership Hui
Applications for the 2026 AQNZ Emerging Leaders Award are now closed.
We express our sincere thanks to the 2025 Emerging Leaders Awards sponsors:
Leadership Hui
2025 Leadership Hui participantsApplications have now closed for the 2026 AQNZ Leadership Hui and we are pleased to announce the following successful applicants:
Brendon Beattie - MacLab
Mikayla Bennett - Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
Sam Carter - Salmon Smolt NZ
Will Evans - Clevedon Coast Oysters
Ben Grant - Akaroa Salmon
Teremoana Hamblin - Talley’s
Amelia Harvey - Waimana Marine
Sophie Jobe - Spat NZ
Braedon O’Brien - Talley’s
Sruthi Ramsundar - New Zealand King Salmon
Stefan Swindon - Waimana Marine
Chantelle Te Haara - New Zealand King Salmon
Leadership Hui - 12-13 October 2026
Are you ready to invest in the future leaders of New Zealand’s aquaculture sector?
The 2026 Leadership Hui is more than a workshop - it's an investment in leadership succession, team retention, and the future of our industry.
What employers say about the Leadership Hui:
“This is a great way to invest in your potential new leaders and set them up for success”
“Time away from the grind, time with peers, is hard to make happen for good staff.”
“Builds confidence in leadership—builds networks outside the company.”
Who is it for?
It is a powerful professional development opportunity designed for leaders who are ready to grow, connect and take the next step in their leadership journey.
The residential hui is for new leaders in aquaculture from all roles who:
have been in the industry for 1-5 years AND
are in their first leadership role, between 1-4 years AND
are committed to building resilience, confidence and effective communication as a leader
If this sounds like someone in your team, now is the time to invest in their growth and long-term future.
If you have any queries please contact kirsten.norfield@aquaculture.org.nz
Recipients will receive:
Fully hosted residential hui in Nelson (12-13 October)
Accommodation and meals at the hui
Exclusive leadership workshops and activities
Registration for Day 1 of the 2026 AQNZ conference in Nelson
Ongoing engagement and connection
We express our sincere thanks to the 2025 Leadership Hui sponsors:
