On Monday the 14th of May, our Tall Poppies travelled to Hamilton for the annual NYLD. There they were inspired by the messages of some prominent leaders.

The Tall Poppies were lucky to listen to and be inspired by leaders like Lisa Tamati, Amanda Wilson, Jono Naylor, Riley Hathaway and Vince Harder. Some of the main messages we heard were:

* Be brave enough to be different. Don’t try to the same as everyone else. Be yourself.

* Set big, scary goals and then find people that will support you in your quest. Ignore the naysayers. If you are prepared to work hard, you can achieve it. Determination is more important than talent. Be prepared to fail - it’s a part of life. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.

* Your brain/mind, your whakaaro, is important. Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you are right. What you think affects what you do: positive or negative.

Jono Naylor - ex-Mayor of Palmerston North & MP shared a message of HOPE. Whatever it is you do, there’s something to learn from all environments you are in. Give others a reason to follow you: instil hope in people. Inspire others though humility, by taking risks and extending yourself; and by looking for what is best for others.

H - humility: humble in victory; humble in defeat

O - others focused: think of others and what is best for all

P - playing to your strengths: aim to be excellent at what you are good at; if you are not sure, keep searching until you identify what it is you are good at.

E - extend yourself: make sure you are achieving at the level you are capable of; never be afraid of failing. Put yourself out there and be prepared to take risks. Don’t concern yourself with limitations.

* The 'stuff' you do when no one is watching is what builds character. Integrity. Not expecting accolades and attention.

* Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Believe in others and help them to believe in themselves: point out their strengths. Encourage them. Give them a reason to use their strengths.

* Use the influence you have. One person can make a difference, groups of people can make massive differences when influenced.

* A lot of people, doing a little, can change a lot.

* We can learn a lot when we listen.

Our students made the most of the day and represented the school well. We were so proud when a Deputy Principal from another school approached us to compliment our class. She thought our students were 'wonderful: respectful, lovely to talk to, and a lovely representation of our school.' The makings of great leaders we'd say!

Ryan Grobbelaar:

NYLD is about thinking as leaders. There were a few speakers who said some very inspiring things. They told us a few stories and how they became leaders.