Meet the 2026 Emerging Leaders

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s cohort of rising stars and their mentors in the 2026 Emerging Leaders Programme. 

This transformative initiative blends expert mentorship with real-world leadership strategies, equipping participants with the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers.

This year, 22 outstanding emerging leaders have been carefully matched with mentors, embarking on a 12-month journey of growth, learning, and leadership.

Meet the 2026/27 cohort

    Emerging Leaders
Aimee Cornish, McConnell Property
Anna Molina, Willis Bond
Ashleigh Haszard, Kainga Ora – Homes and Communities
Biljana Pesun, Warren and Mahoney
Brannon Millar, Rubix
Callum Mulligan, D3 Development
Casey Prescott, Bayleys Real Estate 
Daniel Fonua, Kiwi Property
Evan Pardo, Kiwi Property
Henry Rowden, Holmes
Justin Law, Bayleys Property Services
Luciana Tarnoksi, Foodstuffs North Island
 
Molly Woolner, Oceania
Olly Ng, Stride
Olivia BrinsdonTe Toi Mahana 
Rosalyn Cowe, Auckland Council
Rose Bayes-Powell, Summerset 
Sam Noland, Scentre Group 
Shuohan Xu, Kiwi Property
Sofia Acarapi, Beca 
Sumer Mahant, CORT Community Housing 
 
    Mentors
Ana Moriarty, Kiwi Property
Anna Hill, Jasmax
Davina Henderson, Bayleys Real Estate 
Fiona Cameron, Oceania
Francie Lawson, Beca 
Gerard Earl, Colliers
Grant Austin, Beca 
Howard Smith, D3 Development
Judith Makinson, CKL
Karin Speight, Tonkin + Taylor 
Malcolm Ewart, Ministry Interiors
Mike Baker, T M Consultants 
 
Nigel Sinclair, Templeton Group 
Oli Wills, ANZ 
Phaedra Applin, WSP NZ 
Phil Doyle, NZ Strong 
Rachel Morgan, Barker & Associates 
Scott Inverarity, Buchan 
Sharon Ip – Lo, Precon
Tom McGarry, Thompson Blackie Biddles 
Vernon Lu, Octa Associates 
 
“Thank you so much for facilitating such an amazing workshop at the Emerging Leaders Programme workshop on Tuesday. Thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly meeting all the lovely members who attended. Took so much away from it and its left me feeling inspired and very excited for the rest of the programme.”
- Robyn Fairmaid, Town Planning Group
“Thanks again for the programme kick off workshop – such a valuable session – I really enjoyed connecting with others in the room as well as the facilitated sessions and speakers.”
- Samantha Stepney, Vega Lend

Missed the 2026 intake?

Applications for the DevelopU Emerging Leaders Programme are now closed for 2026.

Don’t miss your chance next year—register your interest and we’ll let you know as soon as applications open for 2027.

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