Innovators inspire young leaders

Ngati Whakaue innovators and business leaders shared their knowledge and success with Rotorua young people. Photo / Stephen Parker

Successful innovators and leaders in their chosen fields were inspiring the next generation at the Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia Future Makers Day.

Local high school students had an opportunity to hear different panels of speakers on how they've achieved their career success at Te Papiouru Marae last week. The event was part of a two-day festival celebrating and uniting the iwi.

More than 20 leaders in the primary industry, business, health, finance and culture sectors volunteered to take part. Those included MasterChef winners Karina and Kasey Bird, presenter Scotty Morrison, Auckland University of Technology lecturer Dr Melinda Webber and Air New Zealand cultural development manager Andrew Baker.

Chairwoman of the event's principal sponsor, the Ngati Whakaue Asset Trust, Ana Morrison, told the students they wanted to organise something that would inspire the youth of their iwi.

"Ngati Whakaue leaders working at a national level, who may not come home much but are wanting to share their stories with you," she said.

"Success isn't a straight line but each person [leaders] has a journey and they want to share their journey with you and help open up and broaden your horizons."

Rotorua Lakes High School students Ngahuia Ruaine, deputy head girl Tessa Norton-Campbell and head boy Piwiki Kingi want to give back to their iwi during their chosen careers. Photo / Stephen Parker

Trust board director Hemi Rolleston agreed.

"Ngati Whakaue has really been good at education, a lot of these people sitting here are the fruits of the work our tipuna have done to set the scene and inspire us to give back," Mr Rolleston said. "It's about whakawhanaunatanga, get out and meet each other and really enjoy it."

Relishing the opportunity to hear the speakers were Tessa Norton-Campbell, Ngahuia Ruaine and Piwiki Kingi of Rotorua Lakes High School.

"This is a great chance to hear their success stories. My career path is a dietician. I want be able to give free health care to our Ngati Whakaue people," deputy head girl, Tessa said.

Head boy Piwiki said he wanted to study te reo Maori at Waikato University next year and go on to give back to his iwi.

Ngahuia said she hoped to study medicine at Auckland University.

"I want to learn how [panel speakers] have become successful.

"For me success is being able to help my people in our chosen career path."