Editorial: Future looks rosy with next leaders

Andrew Shortcliffe

Earlier this week I was fortunate enough to meet some future leaders of our community and, take it from me, if these children are anything to go by, we are in safe hands.

I was invited by Andrew Shortcliffe, the principal of Hastings Intermediate school, to address his school's Leadership Academy. I am so glad that I agreed to speak to them.

I came away feeling inspired and very hopeful for the future. The first thing that struck me was how well-dressed the children were in their school uniforms. The second thing I noticed was how polite they all were.

Even during the short time that I spent at the school, I could see that this was a place where children came to learn and that they enjoyed being there.

The leadership group was particularly impressive and they take their KPIs very seriously. They are:

- To learn and foster leadership traits including: seeking, seeing and seizing opportunities to lead and excel. Aspiring with pride and passion to become successful young leaders for the present and the future

- To utilise and enrich on our identified Academy strengths which are: ambition, confidence, respectfulness, sociability and teachability

- To seek and seize all opportunities in life to demonstrate citizenship and serve in a humble and cheerful manner

I think this group achieves that.

So a big thank you to Mr Shortcliffe and his young leaders - Shakoa Puketapu, Liana Mikaele-Tuu', Olivia Epplett-Fletcher, Savannah-Lee Stevenson, Boston Wynyard, Sariah Melville, Ruby Brett, Kenah Abraham-Smith, Cortez Te Pou, Ereina Tonihi, Hope McCleland, Joy Tevita, Thomas Steinmann, Wharewaiata Rolls, Xavier Herbert, Reihana Wilkie, Elliott Edwards, Latrell Ah Kiong and Samuel Martin.

It was a pleasure meeting you and I am sure you are going to go on to achieve great things.