Leading achievers share their stories

Aspiring politician Tamati Coffey will share his career journey with students at Lakes High School. Photo / Michael Craig

Leadership Week kicks off in Rotorua today with members of the 2014 Sir Peter Blake Trust Dream Team touring local schools.

Former television personality and aspiring politician Tamati Coffey will share his career journey with students at Lakes High School as a member of the Dream Team as part of Leadership Week.

Led by New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, close to 300 New Zealand leaders will be speaking to classrooms throughout the country in a bid to inspire young Kiwis to "make it happen" - the theme of this year's Leadership Week.

On Tuesday next week at 11.30am, Mr Coffey will share his story of how he became a high-profile television personality and Labour Party candidate and the lessons he has learned along the way.

He is joined in the 2014 Dream Team by other high-profile leaders including television psychologist Nigel Latta, scientist and inventor Sir Ray Avery and sporting greats Hamish Carter and Beatrice Faumuina.

Sir Peter Blake Trust chief executive Shelley Campbell said the response each year from leaders who were keen to be involved in the Dream Team was simply amazing.

"Their passion for the Dream Team programme ensures more than 16,000 Kiwi students will have the opportunity to be inspired by their stories and learn how they can achieve their dreams too."

Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Week begins with the trust's annual Leadership Awards today where the Blake Medal will be presented, along with six Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards.

Leadership Week concludes with Red Socks Day on Friday, July 4.

For more information visit www.sirpeterblaketrust.org