Scaling Deep Wānanga (Ōtautahi, CHCH)

Reimagining Systems Change: Rooted in Relationships, Culture & Collective Transformation

The prevailing models of social innovation have long been fixated on scaling up and scaling out—chasing rapid expansion, competition, and measurable growth. But what if the most profound and lasting change doesn’t come from scaling wider, but from scaling deeper?

In partnership with SaSS (Systems Change Advocacy, Support and Solidarity), Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi and The Systems Sanctuary, Leadership Lab is hosting this Scaling Deep Wānanga in Ōtautahi, a gathering of systems leaders, changemakers, and community practitioners who believe that real transformation is slow, relational, and culturally grounded. Together, we will explore how deep personal, organisational, and cultural shifts create the foundation for durable, systemic change.

What to Expect

• Scaling Deep Keynote: Unveiling the latest research on the Scaling Deep framework—practices and strategies for systemic transformation.
• Local Case Study Stories: Learn from real-world examples of Scaling Deep in action, amplifying local stories where relationships, healing, and cultural shifts have been prioritised over quick-fix solutions.
• Exchange & Learning: A space for open dialogue, sharing resources, and surfacing new insights to strengthen our collective impact.
• Building Relationships & Collaboration: More than just a conference—this is a wānanga. Expect deep connection, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to foster future collaborations.

This is not about chasing scale for the sake of it. It’s about deepening our practice, strengthening our relationships, and shifting the systems that shape our world.

Join us as we step into new ways of being, leading, and creating change—rooted in collaboration, reciprocity, and long-term impact.

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE 

About Tatiana Fraser:

Tatiana Fraser is a writer, entrepreneur, and trailblazer in systems change, leadership, and feminist practices. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to fostering transformational change and building feminist ecosystems and networks for systemic impact. As Co-Founder and Director of The Systems Sanctuary, Tatiana leads a “refuge for systems leaders,” supporting individuals and ecosystems to deepen systems change practices and strategies. 

Known for her signature "Scaling Deep" framework, Tatiana challenges traditional models of scale by emphasizing healing, collaboration, and values-based leadership. An Ashoka Fellow, BMW Responsible Leader and a Top 100 Woman Leader, she is a speaker, facilitator, and author passionate about advancing systems change leadership as an act of care, driven by love and the interconnectedness of all life. She has delivered keynotes at global conferences, including the PRME Global Forum, RSA, Ashoka Global, Tamarack Institute, and C2 Montreal.

As the co-author of Girl Positive: Supporting Girls to Shape a New World (Random House, 2016), Tatiana explores how girls are reshaping leadership and driving meaningful change. She is also the co-founder of the Girls Action Foundation, advocating for leadership and systemic change for girls and young women.

Tatiana holds an MBA from McGill University and has significant expertise in governance, collaboration, and innovative leadership. She has contributed to numerous Boards and Advisory Committees, including the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

A mother of two based in Montreal, Canada, her global work continues to bridge differences, integrate justice, and inspire transformative leadership practices rooted in care, collaboration, and life-affirming possibilities.

LOCAL FACILITATORS

About Erica Austin:

Erica Austin (she/her) is a senior consultant with Leadership Lab and a versatile community strategist, facilitator, designer, photographer, experience curator and CliftonStrengths coach. With a background in architecture, Erica possesses a unique ability to bridge conversations across diverse communities, industries, and sectors. Her superpower lies in designing and curating meaningful and inclusive experiences, both in-person and virtual, that cultivate safe and dynamic spaces for collaboration and collective growth.

Through her involvement with the Leadership Lab, Erica currently co-leads programmes dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices, promoting allyship, and fostering intersectionality—all rooted in a strengths-based framework aimed at driving systemic change.

About Danette Abraham:

Danette hails from Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngā Rauru, is a director and senior consultant with Leadership Lab and founder of Ko Au Consultancy. Danette's work with individuals and organisations is embedded with a Te Ao Māori approach.

She is passionate about identity and culture, is a lifelong learner and pursuer of te reo me ona tikanga. With a background in the NGO, education, and business sectors, Danette has engaged with people of various ages, stages, and backgrounds. Her ability to facilitate conversations and experiences gives space and opportunity to help shape an equitable society where mokopuna can grow. 

About Chris Jansen:

Chris is a founding director and senior consultant with Leadership Lab where he works alongside organisations in the education, health, social services and community sectors in a range of equity-focussed projects. He is also currently the co-chair of Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi where he has been involved for over 30 years.

Chris creates opportunities to support and grow leaders to activate their communities in equitable and inclusive ways. Chris has years of experience in facilitation, design, strategic and leadership development with communities locally and internationally. 

Collectively brought to you by:

• SASS: Our group, known as SASS (Systems-change Advocacy, Support and Solidarity) are all experienced, hands-on community leaders from diverse backgrounds. We are fiercely passionate about Systems Change mahi that is Te Tiriti-based, community-led, relationship-led and collaborative. We meet monthly to connect, support and share learnings, resources and wisdom.
  
  
• Leadership Lab: Leadership Lab is a Tiriti o Waitangi-led, impact-focused leadership consultancy. We grow leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand who develop equitable and flourishing communities and organisations. The team is a vibrant and diverse mix of people bringing experience, knowledge and a real passion to life and leading. We operate as a collective with a wide range of individuals teaming up to contribute to a range of projects while also supporting and developing each other in the process. Our Leadership Lab team covers all of New Zealand/Aotearoa and through the extensive network of robust and trusting relationships where we form partnerships with local leaders.
  
  
• Clare Foundation: Clare is a progressive philanthropic foundation that wants more for our people and planet.
  
  
• Te Ora Hou: Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is a community led organisation grounded in Kaupapa Māori values, combining culture, faith, and education to inspire positive change. We work to empower rangatahi, their whānau, and communities through a holistic approach that strengthens personal growth, cultural identity, and spiritual well-being.

Please note, if cost is a barrier to attending, we do have discounted options available and are happy to discuss what might work best for your situation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to make it possible for you to join us for this masterclass.