December 20th, 2011

Hastings Mayor to mentor another youth leader

Young Maori leaders from around the Hastings district are being encouraged to apply for a position which would see them receive guidance from the Mayor.

The national Mayoral Taskforce Rangatahi Leadership Programme chooses a leader between 18-25 years from the community who will be mentored for a year by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule. The successful applicant will receive one-on-one mentoring from Mr Yule to help develop their leadership skills.

The programme has been developed by East Coast based leader and communicator Marcus Akuhata-Brown and funded by Te Puni Kokiri with the goal of fostering a long-term commitment to developing and strengthening young Maori leaders.

Mr Yule says “The burden of leadership is heavy for high achieving rangatahi Maori. Because they have “made it”, and often against heavy odds, they are the leaders of choice in their communities and are often called upon to serve on task forces and spearhead initiatives. This can often occur at a young age and while they are the backbone of their families.”

“Our rangatahi need help in building their leadership skills. This programme gives valuable support that may lead to their social and economic advancement” Mr Yule says.

Councillor Jacoby Poulain is involved in the programme and identification of potential candidates She says “This year candidates will be invited to submit a short video introduction to the Mayor. It can simply be recorded on a digital camera or cellphone and will allow each applicant’s personality to shine through during the selection process.”

The successful candidate will meet regularly with the Mayor, will become involved in community events at the invitation of the Mayor and attend a number of national leadership retreats throughout the year.

Mr Yule says “Hastings will benefit enormously if we nurture and support the cultural wealth that is inherent in our rangatahi. Many of these people have an innate passion to serve the land and their people.”

Applications close on January 11th, 2012 including a CV, video (optional up to three minutes) and a covering letter or email to the Mayor, outlining why you are the best Rangatahi in Hastings District for this programme. Names and contact details of two people who will provide a verbal reference must be included.

More information and a prospectus can be found at: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/files/all/documents/tuia-prospectus.pdf

Applications should be sent to:

Cheryl Paget, Advisor to the Mayor
Email: cherylp@hdc.govt.nz
Post: Hastings District Council, Private Bag 9002, Hastings 4156
or delivered to the Council offices at 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings

ENDS

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