Tuanz is launching a NextGen leadership programme focused on building a community of the next generation of leaders across Kiwi organisatons.

The proposed programme has already won the support of Chorus, which is providing seed funding for the venture, and The Skills Organisation, who will provide support as the programme is developed.

Craig Young, Tuanz chief executive, says the programme aims to provide cross industry fertilisation of digital enablement ideas, while helping to bring through the next generation of Kiwi leaders.

“It's about encouraging the next age group coming through in all different roles using technology, to make sure they use it to develop their businesses,” Young says.

The programme will only be available to Tuanz members, who include system integrators, IT companies and telcos, small and medium sized enterprises as well as government departments, major corporations including banks and insurance, supermarket and food chains and transport operators and an increasing number of new entrepreneurial companies.

“New Zealand has a great opportunity to develop into an economy driven by digitally enabled businesses, and Tuanz can play an important role in bringing businesses, Government and communities together to the long term benefit of New Zealand,” Young says.

“At the heart of that is building collaboration and involvement of the next generation of leaders and decision-makers within the Tuanz membership.

“This programme will include a broad range of individuals who fill roles across a wide range of organisations. Examples might include future leaders within the ICT functions of corporates, within regulatory and support teams in telco's, customer service roles, through to sales and marketing.

Young says the programme is likely to include a cross industry mentoring programme.

“If you're a young person in a telco looking for a mentor, we might hook you up with a corporate that is not a telco. Or the other way.

Key targeted events will also be run.

While Tuanz will provide the support and administration around the group, the industry body is seeking a volunteer leadership group, made up of the target audience of 25-35 year olds, who will help develop the programme.

“That leadership group is probably our next generation of board members too, so we're thinking about developing those governance skills within our membership base as well,” Young notes.

Ian Bonnar, Chorus general manager of corporate relations, says the disruption caused by New Zealand's evolution into a fully digital economy gives New Zealand a ‘massive opportunity' to re-shape its place in the world and fundamentally change the lives we lead.

“But for New Zealand to thrive it is going to require the next generation of leaders to challenge the way we do business, collaborate and innovate,” Bonnar says.

“It is also essential for New Zealand to remain competitive that we make the most of the talented people available to us, no matter what their background or status.

Bonnar says he hope the programme will bring together a diverse group who will challenge current thinking, drive real change and ensure greater equality of opportunity for talented Kiwis over the coming years as they move into leadership positions.

The programme is expected to officially launch in December.