News Release: Tuesday 27 March, 2012
Region’s Future Leaders gather for inspirational
youth Leadership Conference at Scots College
On Tuesday 3 April, 180 students aged 17-18 years from throughout the Wellington region will gather at Scots College for
the second annual Launching Leaders Conference.
Throughout the day 37 speakers from a wide variety of industries and professions, and all of whom possess a wealth of
life experience, will address the students and conduct workshops. The topics will vary, but all speakers will be
focusing on what makes a great leader, and how students can develop the necessary skills to take leadership in different
aspects of their lives.
“The development of strong leadership skills is an integral part of our College culture, and this conference is an
important event in our year-long Leadership Program. All Year 13 Scots students will participate on the day, and we have
also invited representatives from High Schools throughout the Wellington region so that they too can benefit from what
these great speakers have to say. There will be students from Kapiti, the Hutt Valley and Wellington here on Tuesday
which is fantastic, and certainly enriches the experience for both the students and the speakers,” commented Headmaster
Graeme Yule.
“I have been overwhelmed by the Wellington community’s support for this initiative,” said Teacher in Charge of
Leadership at Scots College, Claire Hall. “This is just the second time we have run Launching Leaders and we are
honoured to have Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor General, officially open the
conference. He will be followed by an impressive line-up of speakers including John Anderson MNZM, founder of Contiki
Travel, Miranda Harcourt ONZM, celebrated actress and coach for theatre and film, and David Huebner, US Ambassador to
New Zealand and Samoa,” confirmed Hall.
“In addition, there will be Athletes, Musicians, Environmentalists, MP’s, Military Personnel, Accountants,
representatives from the Construction Industry, an Organisational Psychologist, a very highly respected Scientist, a
Human Rights specialist, a leader in the Hip Hop community, explorers, fashion and publishing industry leaders – all of
them sharing their journey and experiences on the day,” said Hall.
“These people have very generously given up their time to be a part of this Leadership Conference, and I think it’s a
reflection of the importance we as a society place on the passing on of knowledge to the next generation. The world
these students inherit will be quite different from the one we know now, but there are inherent qualities in any leader
that transcend time and place,” she said.
“You might ask why are we holding this regional conference?,” reflected Yule. “And the answer is really because at Scots
College we are committed to helping students develop the skills and motivation necessary to become people who can and
will lead – people who will be visionary, committed, compassionate and authentic leaders who will make positive
contributions to their families, communities, country and our world.”
Event: Launching Leaders Conference 2012
Date: Tuesday 3 April, 8.30am – 3.30pm
Venue: Scots College – School Hall, Monorgan Road, Strathmore
ENDS
Scots College is an Independent Presbyterian Day and Boarding Boys’ School; Years 1-13. It is an IB (International
Baccalaureate) World School, offering both the NCEA and the IB qualifications. Scots offers a vibrant learning
environment for boys, encouraging excellence in every facet of their education, creating global citizens - boys who are
equipped for life as balanced, compassionate, motivated and socially aware young men.