Media Release
20 March 2008
Thousands of Primary and Intermediate School Students Prepare to Meet NZ Leaders
A bumper line-up of well-known New Zealand leaders are set to share their experiences and impart advice to thousands of
promising young leaders around the country during the upcoming 2008 National Young Leaders’ Days for primary and
intermediate students.
Thousands of students from schools all over the country have already registered for the day long events which take place
in Dunedin (April 7), Christchurch (April 8), Wellington (April 14 &15), Rotorua (May 19) and Auckland (May 21 & 22). These follow on from the successful Secondary School National Young Leaders Day events in March.
The theme for 2008 is ‘Own Your World’ and in line with this theme participants will be challenged to accept that they
are never too young to play their part and no action in life is insignificant.
Among those speaking to the students will be adventurer Mark Inglis, motivational speaker and documentary maker Rob
Harley, captain of the New Zealand Adventure Racing Team Nathan Faavae, former Police Constable Nick Tuitasi, and former
Silver Fern and General Manager of Books in Homes Linda Vagana.
The National Young Leaders’ Days provide an opportunity for young people to think about and discuss important issues and
to develop skills which are so valuable throughout life. They are designed to educate, motivate and inspire the
students.
Annette Fale, general manager of the Halogen Foundation, organiser of the National Young Leaders Days and recipient of a
2007 Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award in recognition of her commitment to fostering leadership among youth, says
the aim is to support and assist New Zealand schools and educators with the leadership development of their students.
“We recognise there are a number of New Zealand schools that can feel isolated on their own, whether it is through
geographical location, financial constraints or staff resource issues. The Young Leaders’ Days provide an environment
for synergy to occur and as schools, teachers and students attend they see the impact of coming together as a larger
group to be inspired and encouraged.”
Since they were introduced in 2001, the National Young Leaders’ Days have become New Zealand’s largest and most
significant student leadership events. Well over 10,000 primary, intermediate and secondary school students attend each
year, though the ripple effect of what they learn has benefited thousands more.
“Feedback from teachers and schools has indicated that giving participants the chance to draw on the experience and
advice of high profile leaders inspires them to serve their fellow students and school,” said Mrs Fale.
This year 20 students will receive a Westpac Student Leadership Award announced at the events. From the nominations
received by teachers the Halogen Foundation will choose two students attending each of the events to receive the
prestigious Award which includes a cash prize for each student.
For specific details on who is speaking at each event, and for speakers’ profiles visit www.halogenfoundation.org.
Tickets cost $42 per student and $15 for each staff member or parent.
People can register online at www.halogenfoundation.org or by phoning Halogen Foundation on 09 636 1413 or 0800 624 641.
EVENT DETAILS:
Dunedin
Monday, 7th April 2008
Regent Theatre
17 The Octagon, Dunedin
9.30am - 2.30pm
Christchurch
Tuesday, 8th April 2008
Christchurch Town Hall
86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
9.30am - 2.30pm
Wellington
Event One - Monday, 14th April 2008
Event Two – Tuesday, 15th April 2008
TSB Bank Arena
Queens Wharf, Wellington City
9.30am - 2.30pm
Rotorua
Monday, 19th May 2008
Energy Events Centre
Government Gardens, Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
9.30am - 2.30pm
Auckland
Event One - Wednesday, 21st May 2008
Event Two - Thursday, 22nd May 2008
TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
770-834 Great South Road, Manukau
9.30am - 2.30pm
Ends.