Emerging leader: Enya Chadderton

Age: 32

Occupation: Accountant.

Leadership snapshot:

Don't be fooled by Chadderton's quiet, polite manner. The truth is that she is fiercely motivated by her hopes that immigrants can be helped to settle better into the New Zealand lifestyle. She arrived in the country 11 years ago, quickly adapted to life here, then passionately adopted New Zealand as her homeland. Married to a New Zealander, she has come to live a Kiwi lifestyle while giving time in the Asian community, offering practical advice and explaining etiquette and customs that are mysteries to the new arrivals. As immigration inexorably changes New Zealand, and especially Auckland, she is at the intersection of two worlds, pointing firmly towards the path to integration.

What should the Leadership Forum achieve for New Zealand?

I am hoping the brainstorming sessions will bring lots of new ideas and make New Zealand the No 1 first-class country in the world.

And for you?

I want to offer my perspective to delegates on immigration issues, but I am also looking for ideas to start a service offering free advice to Chinese immigrants about parenting skills.

The most important issue facing New Zealand?

New Zealand needs more population to bring growth and that should not be manipulated by interest groups and politicians.

What would you do?

I would put in a whole lot of detailed planning for immigration and look at how to attract the top-quality migrants.

What will you be doing in 2020?

I would like to already be an MP and go on to be a diplomat for New Zealand ... maybe to a Chinese country, because of my cultural background for both sides.

Herald Special Report - February 18, 2003:
Knowledge Wave 2003 - the leadership forum

Herald feature: