Kenneth Leong Future Auckland Leaders experience

I completed the Future Auckland Leaders programme in 2008. It was a real eye-opener. I learnt things about Auckland that I didn’t previously know or appreciate.

Some highlights include the overnight stays at Orakei Marae, the tailored leadership training, management briefings/discussions at Auckland Airport, Ports of Auckland, Watercare and City Mission amongst others. I gained a much deeper appreciation of tangata whenua, and the cultural similarities between Maori and my own background as a Malaysian Chinese New Zealander. I also learnt about how various organisations do their bit to make our city such an amazing place to live, work and play.
The fact that I still remember these experiences vividly 13 years on goes to show the impact this programme had on my life. Most of all, I met some truly awesome people on the programme, who are passionate, driven, yet humble leaders who make such an amazing contribution to Auckland. The projects we worked on together helped us gain an even deeper appreciation for the difference we can make as individuals coming together with a common purpose.

I applaud the work of the Committee for Auckland. The 2 years I spent on this programme was lifechanging, and I still benefit from the insights and learnings gained today.

Kenneth Leong