Aspiring Leaders Forum
Waikato Management School is offering two $1,500 sponsorships for students to take part in the Aspiring Leaders Forum. Applications close Wednesday, 13 April 2022.
The Aspiring Leaders Forum (ALF) on faith and values will be hosting their sixteenth forum on 30 June - 3 July 2022 in Wellington. The annual event brings together a diverse group of committed and courageous young leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Guided by facilitators and esteemed national leaders, young people discuss leadership from a narrative point of view, faith and values over four days.
While Members of Parliament host aspects of the Forum, the focus is not purely politics. Instead it is about encouraging young people to become better leaders in their sphere of influence - be it community, arts, business, politics or sports.
Programme
Highlights include:
- A day spent in Parliament House
- Keynote addresses from senior politicians
- Keynote addresses from inspiring leaders of varying societal spheres
- Small group discussions
- A community service project
- A sports afternoon and an epic barn dance
To view the full programme please go to aspiringleaders.org.nz
Sponsorship to the value of $1,500 per student will cover the forum registration fee (includes accommodation and meals for the duration of the Forum)
What is the Aspiring Leaders Forum like?
Kaylee Bird
Conjoint - Bachelor Management Studies with Honours / Bachelor of Laws with Honours
"Firstly, this is not a forum that teaches you how to be leader. We were all expecting leadership speeches on ‘how to’ be a leader, rather than ‘why’ be a leader, or ‘who’ you are before considering leadership. This event helps you explore what is important to you in life and what you can draw strength from in leadership positions.
The highlight was the visit to parliament – I would have spent the entire forum there if I could have! It was eye-opening to hear from politicians and hear about their past struggles and future goals (and yes, we heard from Chlöe Swarbrick). Parliamentary question time in the chamber was an experience and I would definitely recommend everyone attend and watch if you can! We also split into groups to speak with a few members of parliament, which gave us a chance to ask questions and gain a deeper insight.
The speakers came from a variety of different backgrounds and discussed what their leadership was driven by, whether that be their faith, a significant event, or their values. I came away from some talks feeling I could not relate to them, and others completely inspired."
Rebecca Brosnan
Bachelor of Business
I am beyond grateful that I got an opportunity to participate in such an incredible forum and I truly believe attending the Aspiring Leaders Forum (ALF) has been a great compliment to completing my studies in management at University of Waikato.
It’s very hard to describe exactly what it felt like to be at the forum and how to describe the forum itself. It wasn’t your typical leadership instruction, nor was it what myself, or anyone who had not previously attended ALF was expecting, but it was indescribably amazing. So much was packed into each day, which makes it feel like I gained a years’ worth of knowledge in just a few days.
Overall, attending ALF was a life-changing experience and it has affected me a lot more significantly than I thought it would. Puna Wano-Bryant spoke of “Being a leader is knowing who you are, owning your space and sharing your opportunities with others.” I have come home questioning my purpose and if I am actually content with the way I live my life.
ALF was so inspiring that I am currently re-evaluating my goals, as now I can see where I should be aiming higher to really make a difference, instead of letting myself just get comfortable. This could be summed up in one of my favourite phrases used at the forum, “You’ve got to risk it, until you get the biscuit!”.
Mckenzie Northcott
Bachelor Management Studies with Honours
My experience of the Aspiring Leaders' Forum (ALF) was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon gaining the opportunity to embark on my journey to Wellington, I asked ex-students who have previously attended the forum, ‘what it was like?’. No one could give me an exact answer and after experiencing it for myself, my answer is as simple as ‘inspirational ‘. The forum truly was an internally rewarding experience. From the many quest speakers, sporting activities, and the community project, you are treated to a world of opportunities to embrace.
A key highlight from my experience was a key message from Debbie Fuller- ‘teach what you know and reproduce who you are’. As a young aspiring leader, I can only lead from the learnings and experiences that I have been involved in. The ALF was by far the best learning that I have been given during my time as a young leader and I thank the Waikato Management School for their sponsorship. I would highly recommend any student to attend ALF if they are given the opportunity to do so.
Christopher Packwood
Bachelor of Business
I had such an honour and privilege to be selected by the University of Waikato Management school alongside my friends Rebekah Te Rito and Mckenzie Northcott to go to the Aspiring Leaders' Forum 2021.
What can I say other than it was almost like a crossroads, where all the amazing delegates and facilitators came together
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the Aspiring Leaders Forum sponsorship, you must:
- Be aged between 18 - 26
- Be able to demonstrate strong leadership potential in your sphere of influence
- Be a full-time Waikato Management School student
- Have already completed at least 120 points towards your degree
- Have a grade-point average of at least B+ (75-79%)
- Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Be willing to take photos/videos of your experience in Wellington, and write a short debrief for the Waikato Management School website once you return home.
We're looking for those individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential, those who have genuine appreciation for different perspectives and for individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds and ambitions.
How to apply
To apply please email the information below to Sarah Robson (Student Engagement Coordinator) at [email protected] by Wednesday, 13 April 2022.
- Application form
- A support letter (up to 200 words) from one of your lecturers in Waikato Management School
Successful applicants will be notified by Waikato Management School by 21 April 2022.