Young leaders encouraged to start building their future today

Primary and intermediate school students from around the North Island converged in Auckland recently for the first of the 2009 National Young Leaders’ Day events for their age group.

Over 2,600 students from 205 schools gathered at Manukau’s TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre to hear from high profile NZers who are leaders in their fields.

The theme for the 2009 events is ‘Building Tomorrow Today’ which reminds students that every one of them builds something everyday and their thoughts, actions and attitude will have a significant impact on the way tomorrow is lived.

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

Students heard from Air NZ chief executive Rob Fyfe, Olympic medalist Mahe Drysdale, documentary maker Rob Harley, former Police Constable Nick Tuitasi and children’s television presenters Matt Gibb and Dayna Vawdrey.

Mr Fyfe spoke about the role models in his life including his late father who taught him the importance of being open and honest. He also discussed his passion for his job and the Air NZ family – some members of which have been with the company for 50 years. He encouraged the students to stay focussed on their goals and dreams and that he hoped that many of them would become Air NZ leaders in the future.

Annette Fale, general manger of the Halogen Foundation, the non-profit organisation behind the National Young Leaders’ Days said the day-long events are designed to develop student leadership in schools and build a better future for young people.

“These students are our next generation of leaders. It’s so important for us to equip them with the tools and knowledge they will need to lead in the future,” said Ms Fale.

“The events strike a balance between talks from NZ leaders, practical exercises and fun activities which ultimately have students leaving our events feeling inspired.”

Now in its ninth year, the National Young Leaders’ Days have empowered more than 70,000 primary and intermediate students from schools throughout NZ.

The National Young Leaders Days for primary and intermediate students will take place in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Rotorua over the coming weeks and in Palmerston North for the first time.