Elevating our future leaders programme

The evolution of professional connection

The New Zealand technology landscape is shifting from a period of rapid growth to one of strategic maturity, demanding a more intentional approach to how we cultivate our future pioneers. FLINT+ is not merely a membership tier; it is a tactical bridge designed to connect emerging high-potential talent with the established tech leadership community.

This is your “premium layer” within the existing FLINT ecosystem. FLINT+ complements our broad-scale FLINT Community activities with a deeper, more rigorous experience.

The FLINT+ Value Proposition: Beyond Networking

In an era of rapid digital transformation, traditional “business card” networking is no longer sufficient for your leadership development. FLINT Plus is a multifaceted development programme that prioritises depth, competency, and strategic insight over casual interaction.

The value proposition is built on four core pillars that provide exceptional opportunities for you:

• TUANZ Integration & Proximity to Power: Members receive access to TUANZ-hosted forums, including TechLeaders lunches and subsidised conference tickets.  There is also the opportunity to bid for a small number of free tickets to the TUANZ flagship events.
  
  The Impact: This provides a unique opportunity to sit at the table with current industry heads. For the emerging leader, the ROI of this proximity to power is the development of executive presence and high-level governance connections.
  
• Exclusive Events: Members can participate in specific events for FLINT Plus members.  This may include smaller gatherings with leaders before or after FLINT events.
  
  The Impact: These events will offer first-hand exposure to the senior leaders who participate in the programme, providing a perspective that cannot be replicated in a normal event.
  
• Strategic Professional Development: Participants gain access to free or subsidised technical and Leadership courses curated via partners such as AcademyEX and Skills.
  
  The Impact: These courses are specifically selected to bridge the “competency gap” in emerging tech management, ensuring members are future-proofed with the most in-demand executive skills.
  
• The Mentoring Programme: Exclusive access to the TUANZ Mentor programme.
  
  The Impact: This provides you with personalised guidance provided through your personal mentor.

The Mentoring Programme: A modern partnership for growth

The FLINT+ mentoring philosophy represents a departure from traditional “top-down” advice toward Networked Development Partnerships. In this model, the mentor acts as a “signal booster,” connector, and sense maker. While this process is distinct from a direct manager’s performance management, these discussions naturally influence day-to-day confidence, problem-solving, and career trajectory.

To maintain the high standard of the FLINT+ ecosystem, mentees are expected to demonstrate six core characteristics:

1. Receptivity: An openness to coaching and a willingness to be vulnerable about what they do not know.
2. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and sustain difficult conversations for the sake of growth.
3. Self-awareness: A clear understanding of personal strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others.
4. Self-management: Owning the career path and driving the relationship rather than expecting the mentor to do the work.
5. Learning Focus: Moving beyond simple problem-solving to examine the root causes of issues.
6. Growth Orientation: An active commitment to applying feedback and improving performance.

Membership tiers and investment

The Pilot Opportunity

To test demand and perceived value, we are launching an exclusive six-month pilot that is limited to 20 participants. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the programme and will require a small financial investment of $50+GST.

Post-Pilot Investment

Following the pilot phase, the sustainable investment structure will be developed but is likely to include a lower cost for individuals within TUANZ organisational members, and a higher cost for non TUANZ Members.

The FLINT Leadership Tier

A specialised tier for limited volunteers, providing the highest level of industry recognition. This includes the opportunity to apply for Board Intern positions offering direct exposure to governance and high-level decision-making.

Launch roadmap: Join the 2026 pilot

We invite you to participate in the iterative launch of FLINT Plus. As a pilot member, you will play a foundational role in shaping this leadership ecosystem.

Key Milestones

• June 2026: Registrations officially open. Interested individuals should prepare by identifying their professional goals and mentorship needs.
• July 2026: Pilot cohort matching and mentor vetting process completed.
• Monday, 3 August 2026: Official Pilot Commencement. All-in launch session for the first cohort.

August – December 2026: Active mentoring phase, featuring exclusive events, subsidised learning modules, and Circle community engagement.

By joining FLINT Plus, you are doing more than advancing your own career – you are joining a collective movement to grow the leaders who will champion a better digital future for every New Zealander.