Fostering Young Leaders To Make A Difference

Young Leaders Foundation
8 May 2002

Students aged between 5 to 18 years heard the success secrets of what motivates New Zealand's current leaders in business, sport, community service, politics and the arts. Around 1,100 students from primary and secondary schools gathered in Auckland and were told to strive for their dreams and aspirations.

Among the speakers were:
* Sportspersons, Bernice Mene (former captain of the Silver Ferns) and the NZ Tall Blacks
* Stephen Tindall (Founder of the Warehouse) and Joy Cowley (NZ Children's Author)
* Liz Gunn (TV personality), Stacey Daniels and Jon Bridges (TV and Radio personalities)
* Pansy Wong (MP) and Valerie Adams (Youth Sports Representative)

Primary and intermediate school students also took part following the success of last year's inaugural event for high school students. Students young and old got to hear about the highs and lows of leading and leadership. The conference for secondary students took place yesterday and primary students met today at the Logan Campbell Centre in Greenlane.

Annette Johnson, National Director of the Young Leaders Foundation in New Zealand said, "This is a great forum to motivate and inspire young people".

"The biggest result is that it changes their lives. They are inspired to be better leaders in school and in the community. In a room of 1,000 you don't know who's likely to be the next prime minister, but the message that comes from the event is that you can do it.

"The wide range of speakers talked about their experiences in leading and gave them confidence - that's the key to growing leaders."

The National Young Leaders' Days held in association with Reader's Digest and Auckland University of Technology are designed to develop student leadership in schools and motivate students into making a positive contribution to their school, family and community. Students learn practical skills including motivating others, managing commitments and stress management.

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