Aspiring Leaders Forum
In response to COVID-19, the Aspiring Leaders Forum 2020 has been cancelled. Planning for 2021 is already underway, date to be confirmed.
Waikato Management School is offering two $1,500 sponsorships for students to take part in the Aspiring Leaders Forum. Applications close Friday, 10 April 2020.
The Aspiring Leaders Forum (ALF) on faith and values will be hosting their fifteenth forum on 18 - 21 June 2020 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, 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
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 (attended 2019)
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 (attended in 2019)
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!”.
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 sarah.robson@waikato.ac.nz by Friday, 10 April 2020.
- 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 17 April 2020.
