YOUNG LEADERS: Ruapehu College students arrive at the conference.
INSPIRATIONAL leadership drew 700 teenagers to Wellington this week for the annual National Young Leaders Day.
Television presenters Matt Gibb and Dayna Vawdrey hosted the event for the Halogen Foundation at the St James Theatre.
Speakers included lawyer Mai Chen, documentary producer Rob Harley and freelance journalist Jehan Casinader and Amped for Life director Pat Buckley.
Among the audience were 18 Ruapehu College students who travelled from Ohakune on Sunday afternoon for Monday’s event.
Lawyer Mai Chen was the favourite speaker for Ruapehu College head girl Felicia Fredericksen (17).
“It was pretty amazing, all the speakers were inspirational and exciting, the stand out speaker for me was Mai Chen. She was really powerful and believed in herself.”
Felicia says she would like to have seen a little bit more involvement with the audience.
Ruapehu College head boy Henere Larsen (17) was inspired by the day, although he says it could be improved with a more focused theme.
“My favourite speaker was Rob Harley, he gave power to the people and left the challenge for us and motivated us to make the change back at school.
“I think it could be improved by adding a stronger focused theme.”
Student Sam Laurenson (16) enjoyed hearing all the stories and success.
“My favourite speaker was Jehan Casinader. He kind of managed to persuade us that no matter how good or bad you are at something, if you are determined you can succeed.
“I think it could be improved by separating the schools so that you have the opportunity to meet new people and share experiences with others that aren’t part of your school.”
Ruapehu College Gateway programme administrator Ngaire Double says it is a fantastic learning opportunity for students.
“I think it would be great to see some different speakers and if it could last longer.
“I enjoyed Pat Buckley the most. He had a strong message and I felt connected to his speech.”
Halogen Foundation is a non-profit group and the Wellington event is replicated in Christchurch and Auckland.