Mady Rawson, a Year 12 student, recently attended the Festival for the Future 2021 in Wellington, representing the Waitaki District Youth Council as deputy chair. This opportunity was given to strengthen her leadership skills by enhancing her knowledge regarding the big issues which may affect her future. This involved learning practical skills and tools to amplify her impact, networking with others who are passionate to make this impact and having an opportunity to become inspired to make a change now by those who already are.

Mady met many inspiring people who have changed her view on her life and future for the better. Every speaker she listened to was impactful and memorable. However, there were specific leaders who made a difference to her. Anjum Rahman was one of them. Mady described her as, “Such an inspiring woman who led such a great kōrero, discussing the importance of acknowledging those who go unnoticed. She proved to be a humble woman regardless of her achievements she had made it clear her goal was to create an inclusive Aotearoa.” Mady gained a lot from the kōrero, coming out with the importance of acknowledging those who work ‘behind the scenes’ and the importance of spreading aroha everywhere she goes.

Shaneel Lal was another person with lasting impact. Mady reflected on their kōrero, saying, “They spoke with such presence and passion for the acceptance of Queer people. They continue to stand in front of people who do not believe their very existence should be supported in hope of future acceptance.” Mady took from this kōrero that a bill banning conversion therapy or banning anything will never be enough to truly fix the issue. He tangata, He tangata, He tangata! It is the people, It is the people It is the people! Without our help and compliance to opening our minds and hearts to every difference we encounter on our whenua, we will never truly be able to live in peace.

Mady also attended a workshop where she interacted with Maggie Eyre who ran Authentically You. Within this workshop she learnt about her personal brand and about the importance of identifying inauthenticity within herself to become her most authentic self. Being yourself is the most valid thing in your lifetime, your vulnerability creates power and therefore you will make the change you were destined to make.

Mady was overwhelmed with speakers with influential messages. This festival was emotionally confronting regarding the stories that were told and the questions that were raised within herself. However this festival has opened so many doors for seventeen year old Mady. Her original ideas of success were changed and now she knows she can shape her own success to her life goals. “I’ve been influenced to turn my fear into power, to not try and fit in, be myself, no one can make me feel inferior without my consent and Ehara taku toa e te toa takitahi engari he toe takimano (My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective).” She encourages everyone to question who they are and what legacy they want to leave. Immerse yourself in an environment that is going to positively impact our whenua. If not us, who? If not now, when?