Next Generation Leadership Event – The future is today!

The future of the New Zealand China relationship will be determined by our next generation of leaders – young New Zealanders with the energy, vision and creativity to build on the successes of the past and present.

The New Zealand China Council recognises the importance of next-generation leadership to achieving its goals of a stronger, more resilient relationship.  This month, the Council brought together 20 young people from a range of backgrounds and from all over the country for the second Next Generation Leadership Event.

Hosted at the offices of Fonterra in Auckland, the objective of this year’s event was to capture a collective vision of the future of the NZ China relationship, with a focus on public perceptions, Chinese Language teaching in New Zealand and New Zealand’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Participants shared their ideas and made recommendations to help foster and grow bilateral connections in each of these three areas.  The event closed with a speech from Council Chairman Sir Don McKinnon, who noted that despite differences between the two countries, strong leadership from upcoming generations could deliver stronger and better bilateral connections.  He concluded by offering a parting challenge to participants:

“New Zealand and China will not see eye to eye on everything, but we have to keep working on this relationship. You young people here today will be our leaders of tomorrow, and the future is in your hands.”