Impactful Local Leadership

Session Outline:

Explore the vital role of local government representatives—community advocates, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. Learn what it takes to balance responsibilities, effectively engage with constituents, and foster collaboration. Discover strategies to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and drive impactful change. Gain insights into being a proactive, strategic leader who turns community needs into meaningful action.

These were your speakers:

Sophie Handford

Sophie Handford is a 24-year-old Councillor, activist from Kāpiti, New Zealand. She founded School Strike 4 Climate in Aotearoa NZ and went on to coordinate the movement which mobilised 170,000 people across the country in September of 2019, united for climate justice. She then ran for Council at the age of 18 and was elected as one of Aotearoa’s youngest Councillors, onto the Kāpiti Coast District Council. She’s now chairing its Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee.

Teri O’Niell

Teri was first elected to Council in 2019, and is one of three Motukairangi/Eastern Ward councillors for the 2022–25 triennium. Before coming to Council, Teri worked as a policy and business analyst and was also proud to have the opportunity to organise community gatherings for a range of groups representing climate action, mental health, and fairer wages.

Kaydee Zabelin

Kaydee is a first-term Palmerston North City Councillor, analyst, and former legal secretary, with deep experience in Mātauranga Māori, resource management law, justice, and community arts. She’s helped protect biodiversity and climate budgets, boosted community funding, and championed infrastructure investment. Kaydee works to empower marginalised voices and makes Council more accessible through her Instagram Policy Chats and Debate Cams.

Kaydee brings energy, insight, and an evidence-based approach to every table she sits at. Her work reflects a commitment to equity, transparency, and grassroots leadership.

Watch the webinar recording here: