In early September a group of our Future Leaders from six rural/provincial communities came together for our third and final national hui for 2020 – a year unlike any other. It was an amazing opportunity to connect, learn, grow, and celebrate. It was a chance to hear more about the inspiring mahi that everyone has been up to in helping to support vulnerable people in their communities.

When COVID hit New Zealand, we made the call within the first week of lockdown to transform our annual Festival for the Future into a virtual summit. This was completely new territory for our team, and we never imagined that it would result in such a powerful global experience.

“Of all the Festivals it was my favourite one! Especially after the isolation of Covid-19.”

From Wednesday 13 July to Saturday 18 July, the Whakatāne Future Leaders hosted the Festival for the Future Hui in Tauanui Marae, Waimana, in the Whakatāne District. The purpose of the Hui was to bring Future Leaders, Catalysts, and Coaches together to connect as a 2020 national crew for the first time.

Throughout lockdown the Future Leaders in Kaikohe, Whangarei, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Greymouth have been busy. Lockdown didn’t stop the Future Leaders from connecting with their community in the most meaningful ways. Read on to see our collection of stories that illustrate the perseverance and leadership of young people across Aotearoa during lockdown!

On July 27th, 2019, Shay Wright became the inaugural winner of the Impact Award for Enterprise. Launched by the team at Inspiring Stories, The Impact Awards celebrates young New Zealanders making a difference with $20,000 awarded across four categories – climate, enterprise, inclusion and wellbeing.

On July 27th, 2019, Sophie Handford became the inaugural winner of the Impact Award for Climate. Launched by the team at Inspiring Stories, The Impact Awards celebrated young New Zealanders making a difference with $20,000 awarded across four categories – climate, enterprise, inclusion and wellbeing.

On July 27th, 2019, Jazz Thornton became the inaugural winner of the Impact Award for Wellbeing. Launched by the team at Inspiring Stories, The Impact Awards celebrated young New Zealanders making a difference with $20,000 awarded across four categories – climate, enterprise, inclusion and wellbeing.

On July 27th, 2019, Shaquille Shortland became the inaugural winner of the Impact Award for inclusion. Launched by the team at Inspiring Stories, The Impact Awards celebrates young New Zealanders making a difference with $20K awarded across four categories – climate, enterprise, inclusion and wellbeing.

COVID-19 has demanded an unprecedented level of speed and agility from governments, organisations, and individuals at a global level. The impact on the health system is huge, and still developing. The impact on the economy - both nation-wide and globally - will be felt for years to come. It’s been made clear that the most effective way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus currently is self-isolation and social distancing.