by Julie Pye, South Island Business Manager at ACC
Tenā koutou katoa
"You have to be fearless and take chances. Don’t live life fearing what comes next. That’s not what living is about."
It was with anticipation and trepidation that I boarded the Auckland bus with my Leadership NZ friends heading for the far North to explore our roots. It was election weekend in Northland, but we weren’t on Winston’s ‘Send them a message’ bus.
The Manaia Health PHO, a visionary and dynamic team living up to the Treaty principles, was our first stop in Whangarei. Collectively this group, led by CEO Chris Farrelly, achieve their dreams and aspirations. Their achievements have massively supported and benefited their community. They have ‘big goals’ that have 'big impact’ - free milk to every single child in NZ and the healthy homes programme to name but a few. It is clear that their pragmatic and simplistic approach is the secret to their success. They are not afraid to head down the road less travelled. Hannah and her child-friendly city seeing this project through the lenses of the children will see her vision become reality.
Following on from my first visit to the magnificent Waitangi treaty grounds we had an informative discussion with Prof Adds and Dr Harris on the Treaty. This provided greater clarity and detail to the history of New Zealand’s founding document.
Gaining an appreciation of Maori history and protocols along with the marae experience has been both enlightening and enriching. I found myself humming Ehara I Te Mea for several days after the retreat.
Mention must be made of the dulcet tones of our male colleagues as they snored in harmony 'to put us all to sleep.'
Exploring and learning my Pepeha was a rewarding challenge and thanks to my syndicate buddy Lisa who assisted with clarity and pronunciation.
Mission Impossible was an awesome task to get to know your fellow colleagues that little bit better. The preparation, food and entertainment were fantastic. I may not get a job as a flax weaver just yet, but a new skill was learnt – Ainsleigh, thank you for your patience and perseverance.
Louise - you continue to fill and enhance our Leadership tool box - thank you.
This second retreat found me getting to know more of the Class of 2015. It’s about these people that have made the difference for me.
We ate together, we laughed together and we learnt together. I feel privileged to be heading down the LNZ 2015 journey with a fantastic group of individuals.
This leadership journey continues to be one of personal reflection and growth.
MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something NEW – Brian Tracey.
It was with an open mind and open heart that the path thus far with Leadership NZ has been a rich experience for me.
No reira Tena Koutou, Tena Koutou, Tena Tatou Katoa.