Leadership Programme - Testimonials
"Te Kai a te Rangatira te reo.... The food of leaders is talk."
- George Riley, Iwi Development Coordinator, Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi (2009 Alumnus)
"There is no book or MBA in regards to what Leadership New Zealand has taught and provided us in this past year.... You could not help but be inspired and empowered to change your own life in some way for a more hopeful future for ourselves and our children..."
- Rachel Wootten, Director, Wonderful Works (2009 Alumnus)
"The Leadership New Zealand Programme was a precious opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of contemporary New Zealand issues and challenges. It is rare to hear directly from a range of leading New Zealanders, discuss issues and challenges with a diverse range of informed and engaged participants and be able to reflect deeply on what these issues and challenges mean for me, New Zealand Post and my community."
- Peter Fenton, Chief Executive, NZ Post (2006 Alumnus)
"The programme brings a high level of engagement with key leaders throughout New Zealand, which otherwise would not be available. This in itself has had huge benefits for me, my organisation and my community. As a result of participating, I have gained a much better appreciation of national and international issues and the role we play as leaders, as well as ensuring my own commitment to a balanced lifestyle and the growth of new leaders within our communities."
- Teresa Tepania-Ashton, Chief Executive, Te Runanga a-Iwi o Ngapuhi (2006 Alumnus)
"Throughout the year, I improved my knowledge and understanding of New Zealand's economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities that now allows me to be a more effective leader and better understand the implications of my actions, both in my professional and personal life. I have found my paradigms challenged and altered throughout the discussions with outstanding leaders and programme participants."
- Rod Gibson, Brand Manager, foodstuffs (Auckland) Ltd (2007 Alumnus)
"The Leadership New Zealand programme provided the opportunity to challenge my values and expand my perspective within a structure that was both stimulating and comfortable. Engaging with such a diverse and remarkable group of participants was an extremely empowering experience. You cannot help but leave the programme with a greater sense of purpose at a personal, professional and community level. The Leaership New Zealand programme is outstanding in all respects and I was honoured to have been a part of it."
- Essendon Tuitupou, Social Entrepreneur & PhD Student
"The Leadership New Zealand programme provided a rewarding opportunity to engage with leaders from all sectors of New Zealand. I enjoyed the chance to challenge not only my own views but those of a diverse range of speakers and programme participants. It was a unique chance to partake in the dialogue on the issues facing our country."
- Marija Batistich, Senior Associate, Bell Gully (2008 Alumnus)
"There's a saying or maybe it's a cliche that states "you only get out, what you put in" and nothing could be more true if you are presented with the opportunity of joining the Leadership New Zealand programme. The value of Leadership New Zealand lies in the quality of speakers, the diversity of the participants and a framework that promotes structured dialogue - yet at other times equally as open and frank debate. Within topics as wide ranging as 21st Century Governance to Rural New Zealand you'll explore concepts that continue to shape New Zealand such as social justice, servant leadership and many others."
- Grant Bunting, General Manager Sales - Agriservices, PGG Wirghtson (2009 Alumnus)
"The Leadership New Zealand programme is a significant investment in both personal and organisational time. For this reason alone, I had very high expectations when I began the programme in February 2009. These expectations have been exceeded. In sum, I am part of a fabulous group of 32 diverse, stimulating, and intelligent New Zealanders who have together had the privilege of stepping back from the day-to-day responsibilities of their professional roles in order to engage in dialogue with other community, business and political leaders on "the bigger picture". This opportunity to think, reflect and discuss some of the major challenges and opportunities that are facing New Zealand, is not only helping me in my current role at First Foundation, it is helping me to hone and articulate my future direction and goals. Having recently returned to New Zealand after ten years living overseas, the experience is also serving as a wonderful way for me to reconnect back into New Zealand and to become a far more informed and active participant in the many discussions and decisions that will help shape our future over the coming years."
- Michelle Quirk, Business Development Manager, First Foundation (2009 Alumnus)