The Knowledge Wave Conference: Adrian Ranaweera

By ADRIAN RANAWEERA, St Paul's College, Auckland

Initially, my thoughts on New Zealand "Catching the Knowledge Wave" were of uncertainty.

After some research, I found there are many articles that dwell on whether the conference findings will make a difference.

In my opinion, the Conference comprised many of New Zealand's elite. As a young person, I can clearly say that the majority of my generation would not benefit from being actively associated with the conference. This was due to the certain elitism that I found.

However, as an individual I do think that certain proposed ideas can be of benefit.

In a nutshell, I would rather have had the conference made up of a majority of young people as we are the future of New Zealand.

Actively taking part in the conference has made me set new goals and guidelines on bettering myself.

The eleven other participants of my age group were an inspiration.

Key speakers such as Lord Winston and Edward De Bono were of particular interest. These two speakers covered how New Zealand could become a Knowledge Society and how individual focus can help achieve this.

Following the conference I expected follow-up by the media. To a degree this did not happened and I felt some of the momentum was lost.

I hope that the general public is kept aware of all key issues on debate. The Knowledge Wave Trust has been set up to ensure that this happens. I hope that this is the case.

If we are to succeed as a knowledge economy our nation must act and think with a precise vision of development. with positive strategies in place the main obstacle is motivationg the individual. In many ways, "catching the knowledge wave" has motivated me as an individual.

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