Young leaders to build a brighter future

Musician Nathan King, actor and television presenter Oscar Kightley and Dr Ocean Mercier, the first Maori woman to graduate with a PhD in physics are among those set to inspire the nation’s youth at the 2009 National Young Leaders’ Days which takes place around the country from 2nd March.

The National Young Leaders’ Days, run by the Halogen Foundation, are designed to develop student leadership in schools and build a better future for young people.

Annette Fale, general manager of the Halogen Foundation said 2009 is a special year for the events which will visit Palmerston North for the first time taking the total number of events up to 10.

“Our events have really grown since the first National Young Leaders’ Days in 2001. More than 60,000 number of students have participated in the one day forums,” said Mrs Fale.

“We are always getting requests from schools to do an event in their area and because the demand has been so huge we are now offering an event in Palmerston North.

“It means that students from the city and the surrounding rural Manawatu areas who haven’t been able to attend in the past as Rotorua and Wellington are simply too far away will be able to benefit.”

The theme for this year’s events is ‘Building Tomorrow Today’ which will remind students that every person builds something everyday and every thought, action and attitude will have a significant impact on the way tomorrow is lived.

Students will be encouraged to take a closer look at what they are building and challenged to create something with their lives that is enduring.

Other speakers confirmed include Jono Brent, NZIM Young Executive of the Year in 2008, Judge Ida Malosi, Family Court Judge, Melissa Clark-Reynolds, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, and Dr Brad Jackson, Fletcher Building Education Trust Professor of Leadership.

The University of Auckland has also come on board as the new sponsor of the secondary school events. Students attending these events will hear from Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stuart McCutcheon, and will be able to visit the university stand to learn more about the university and go in the draw to win one of eight iPod Touches.

The leadership forums are considered one of the most significant student leadership events in NZ.

The day long events are both practical and inspirational and are made up of three sessions with each consisting of two speakers, question times, short videos, exercises, music and student interaction.

Any student showing potential leadership skills within the school is invited to attend the event, and there is no limit to the number of students a school can send.

Tickets cost $42.00 per student (early bird rate of $39.00 per student closes on 29th April, 2009, for primary and intermediate events) and $17.00 for each staff member, adult or parent.

Schools can register on-line or by phoning the Halogen Foundation on 09-623 3222 or 0800 624 641.

For specific details on who is speaking at which event and for speakers’ profiles visit: www.halogenfoundation.org

Secondary School Events:

Christchurch: Monday 2nd March, 2009, James Hay Theatre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Auckland: Thursday 12th March, 2009, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Wellington: Monday 23rd March, 2009, Wellington Town Hall, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Primary/Intermediate School Events:

Auckland: Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th May, 2009, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Rotorua: Monday 11th May, 2009, Energy Events Centre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Wellington: Monday 18th May, 2009, Wellington Town Hall, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Dunedin: Monday 25th May, 2009, Regent Theatre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Christchurch: Tuesday 26th May, 2009, Christchurch Town Hall, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

Palmerston North: Monday 15th June, 2009, Regent Theatre, 9.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m. (New Event for 2009).