Forum brings together great Kiwi leaders of future

The country needs great leaders if it wants to reach its full potential - that was the message from yesterday's Sir Peter Blake leadership forum.

Twenty-two of our best and brightest future leaders came together in Auckland to share ideas and work towards a better future for New Zealand.

Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, sponsored by the Herald, recognise a diverse group of young leaders and encourage them to develop their potential.

This year's recipients were joined by winners from the past five years in a one-off forum where they shared ideas and experience.

The aim was to get a better understanding of what different industries and sectors are doing, to learn from experienced leaders and to think about future projects they can work on together.

For three of this year's winners the forum was an eye-opener.

Rachel Paris is a partner at the law firm Bell Gully and volunteers as a mentor and reading tutor in her spare time.

"It's a big honour and a real kick in the butt. I want to do something practical," she said.

Alfred Ngaro is a leader in several community-led development projects covering education, health and social issues.

One thing he learned from the forum was that as a country we tend to be managers rather than leaders.

"People still look to New Zealand to evolve and try new things."

He said in the past great leaders were individuals, but now they are groups of people.

Wing Commander Russell Mardon said the forum was great for motivation. He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force at 19 and has worked on operations in Antarctica, Bougainville, Bosnia, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands.

"It made me think about personal responsibility and identify what I can do. It helped me recognise the universal value of leadership and to encourage others."

Their first big project together is working on the Red Socks campaign, focusing on the preservation of coastal areas.

Vicki Watson, the general manager of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, said the forum was a chance for established leaders to share their wisdom and experience with the country's future leaders.

"It brings together people from across society, from business, health, arts, military and community backgrounds. The ultimate goal of the leadership awards is to advance the potential of New Zealand.

"There was a lot of talk about wanting healthy people, a healthy economy and a healthy environment and it's only great leadership that will get us there."