Harry Emery and I were fortunate to travel to the Kapiti Future Leaders Forum held at Otaki College 19-21 July.

Our journey started with an early flight from Christchurch to Wellington where we were met and transferred to Otaki. We were joined by 25 other students representing schools from Southland through to Auckland.

Our introduction to each other was in Te Reo, a terrifying experience as my Te Reo is certainly not my best asset. The group stayed on Raukawa Marae, where we had a small amount of sleep, but a fun time and one that I won’t forget.

Day 2 saw us travel back down to Wellington where we were hosted for afternoon tea by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy (Governor General of New Zealand) at Government House. An incredible building fit for a queen. We were also privileged to visit the Great War Exhibition during the day. In between these visits we were given leadership advice from high standing people within the New Zealand community such as Captain Corina Brice (Royal New Zealand Navy).

The trip provided me with leadership tips, cultural learnings and above all new friends. Thank you CBHS for the opportunity to experience a weekend that has inspired me.