Leadership Academy Of A Company

Drawing on successful learning models from the past, Northland’s Leadership Academy of A Company aims to build leadership among Northland’s young Māori.

Eighteen cadets have started at the academy this year. Chosen from Northland schools for their leadership potential, academic ability or talent, they live in the academy during school term but go home weekends and holidays.

Cadets continue to attend their own high school but before school and in the evenings, the Academy programme applies.  The Academy programme works with each cadet to develop leadership characteristics and support them to work towards achievement at school and in their chosen extra-curricular areas.

Run by He Puna Marama Trust, the academy draws on successful learning models including the military, Māori boarding schools and Māori trade training. 

He Puna Marama Trust Chair Telly Warren says the Academy pays tribute to the famous 28 Māori Battalion, from World War II.  The Academy name was given by A Company Association that oversees A Company business and veterans.

“We are very honoured to have been bestowed this name,” says Telly.  “The battalion has a rich history that touches every Māori community in the north. Living up to that legacy is part and parcel of the academy’s high expectations”.

The academy aims to be a centre of excellence for leadership, with three key planks:
1.    Be Māori - be comfortable with who you are
2.    Be rangatira - live lives of integrity, self discipline and service
3.    Be educated - aim high

The Trust’s chief executive officer, Raewyn Tipene, says that the academy provides a place “where our boys can be Māori, can be male and be achievers.” The Academy believes that building resilience and self confidence is key.  This is achieved through the use of military-style training, blended with Matuaranga Maori. 

This year there are 18 cadets at the academy. The academy aims to eventually expand to 60 places.
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