‘Op shops’ leading the way through the CELF leadership programme

Hospice Waikato runs 8 charity shops.

With the business turning over $3.4m last year, strong leadership is crucial to ensure the operation runs smoothly. 

That is the job of Hospice Waikato’s Regional Retail manager Teresa Bidlake.   She heads a team of 14 paid staff and 400 volunteers who work across stores in Hamilton, Matamata, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Thames.

To hone her leadership skills, Teresa, 47, last year completed the Community Enterprise Leadership Foundation (CELF) Elevate Leadership programme with other Waikato leaders.   

Run in partnership with Waikato University, this is the only regional programme of its kind in New Zealand and sees up to 22 aspiring leaders – from both business and the not-for-profit sector – do the 9-month course each year.  The time commitment, in addition to a four-day residential, is a Friday and Saturday, once a month (total 17 days).

CELF’s Elevate Leadership programme has a unique 50/50 for profit/not-for-profit business model where local businesses fund an established leader of their own through the course; and also pay for a candidate from the not-for-profit sector.

“It was the best thing I have ever done, it was a huge confidence builder,” says Teresa, who has an extensive retail background and formerly managed the Farmer’s store at Te Awa, The Base.

 “I went in feeling very much like an imposter on day one with all these amazing leaders in the room, and it was ‘gosh, little old me, how do I fit in?’.”

“And by the end of the journey it was, you know what?   I do fit in, I have a lot to give and I can foot it with any leader, because leading is just all about knowing yourself and how to get the best out of yourself and also creating that opportunity for others to grow.”

CELF is a registered charity founded in 2014 by Dr Bernie Crosby from Hamilton’s Prolife Foods; and David Irving, the former head of HEINZ-Wattie.

The aim is to grow leaders from all walks of life who can build a stronger Waikato from a social, environmental, cultural and economic perspective.

These leaders take charge of their lives while influencing others positively, resulting in a significant contribution to Waikato communities, society, and New Zealand as a whole.  Already, there are around 100 graduates from the programme.

Tania Witherford is the Executive Director of CELF, and a ‘CELFie,’ or graduate, of the programme.   “A lot of people have come away and said it is phenomenally life changing.” 

“It has given them a new perspective on themselves, and it has given them the tools and skills to enable them to help their organisation perform better, and importantly to make a better and more effective contribution to their community.”

The programme is wide ranging, hands-on, and includes mentoring, workshops and field trips. 

The CELF Elevate programme is run alongside these partners:  APL, BNZ, Foster Construction, Gallagher, Huntly Joinery Window Systems, Kaimiro Trust, Power Farming, Prolife Foods, Schick Civil Construction, Wel Energy Trust and the University of Waikato.

This year’s CELF Elevate Participants are:  Matt Archibald, Kate Shirtcliff, Justin White, Tryon Pini, Brett Maber, Thomas Nabbs, Bryn Little, Andy Mannering, Ben Royfee, Sami Stretton, Chelsey Hawthorn, Sharon Lourie, Karen Hoskin, Colin Vette, Darren Ward, Freddy van Loggerenberg, Kristine Clarke, Jenny Nand, David Slone.

2019 CELF Graduates (thanks to sponsors:  BNZ, Fosters, Gallagher, Huntly Joinery, Power Farming, Prolife, Schick, Tompkins Wake, WEL Energy Trust):  Teresa Bidlake, Thomas Campbell, Nathan Collins, Norm Hill, Chris Horan, Rachel Karalus,  Shane Keesom, Ross Lamberton, Kylie Leonard, Andrew Matheson, Pat Peoples, Mike Ryan, Rick Thorpe, Lizana Tuake, Karlene Verryt, Hugh Wakelin, Tania Witheford, Amanda Hema.

For more information on how to apply for the programme, visit www.celf.org.nz