Otago Polytechnic helps train young leaders

Media release – Otago Polytechnic

For immediate release, Monday 23 February

Otago Polytechnic helps train young leaders

Otago Polytechnic is hosting a special event, the Otago Secondary Schools Head Prefects Day, which invites all the head prefects from around the region to a one-day training course, focusing on the challenges, responsibilities and idea sharing for their year ahead.

The event, which took place for the first time last year, is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It is an opportunity for head boys and girls throughout Otago to learn the leadership skills that will assist them during the year, while also gaining valuable tools for their future leadership development.

According to Michael Simmons, a Training Facilitator at Otago Polytechnic, who is coordinating the event, the Leadership Day is a great opportunity to share ideas and be inspired, while meeting others in the same role.

“Last year’s Leadership Day had incredible support,” Simmons says. “We had expected around 25 students but ended up with over 50. There are over 27 secondary schools in Otago and last year most were represented.”

The training includes brain storming, group work, videos, as well as individual reflection and feedback. The Leadership Day is supported by the leadership development expertise of Richard Joseph and Associates, a consulting firm that helps people harness their leadership capabilities.

There will also be a talk from local high achiever, Jinty MacTavish, on ‘Gaining insight into perspectives of leadership from a young Otago leader’.

Jinty MacTavish is Dunedin’s youngest ever city counsellor. She was Head Girl at Waitaki Girls, holds a Masters in Science Communication and, in addition to her council work, she has volunteered time to both Sustainable Dunedin City and 350 Aotearoa. “Jinty is a great ambassador for where strong leadership skills can take you,” says Simmons.

The Otago Secondary Schools Head Prefects Leadership Day takes place on Friday 27 February. This is a free event, held on the Otago Polytechnic campus, and open to all Otago secondary schools.

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