10 September 1993 Federated Farmers Scholarships a Boost for Kellogg Rural Leadership Course

Two scholarships for rural women to attend the 1994 Kellogg Rural Leadership course at Lincoln University have been provided by Federated Farmers as an encouragement for additional women to take part in the country's top rural leadership training programme.

Course director Dr Alastair McArthur of Lincoln says the scholarships are a marvellous gesture by Federated Farmers and they come at an appropriate time, Suffrage Year, when the whole country is acknowledging the contribution of women to public life.

The scholarships will pay for accommodation and travelling expenses associated with the course. The other costs such as tuition and use of facilities are covered by Lincoln University and sponsorship from the producer boards.

The 1994 course, number 12 in the series which started in 1979, opens at Lincoln University on 31 January and applications for places are being called for now.

Why should a national university be concerned about rural leadership, asks Dr McArthur?

"Well the reason is as valid now as when the first course was held back in the 1970s. In a primary producing country like New Zealand it's vital that the rural lobby is as informed, skilful and active as the urban one, otherwise rural interests will become subordinate to the voice of the towns and cities.

"The Kellogg Programme takes those who have shown leadership potential in the rural sector and it sharpens their awareness of how systems work and how they can play an active role in pursuing their interests."

Over 300 scholars have been through the programme over the years with about half of them being women. Prominent women among the Kellogg Scholars are Cabinet Minister Jenny Shipley, ANZ Bank Director Vicki Duncan, rural lobbyist Danna Glendining, journalist Nicola Holmes and newspaper editor Ruth Douglas.

Jointly directing the programme with Dr McArthur for Course No.  12 is Colleen Mills, Lecturer in Communication with Lincoln University's Education Centre. Colleen was deputy director for the last course and Dr McArthur says it is particularly appropriate that the connection should continue given the marking of Suffrage Year.

As with past courses the programme has three phases  -  a residential period at Lincoln University from 31 January to 9 February, a non-residential period from February to November during which course members research and write up a small project, and phase three which brings the scholars back to Lincoln to present their projects. Following this they travel to Wellington to study the mechanism of government and political processes and to interview chief executive officers and other top leaders about the nature of leadership.

Topics to be covered in the initial residential period at Lincoln include public speaking, goal setting, personal management, problem solving, and challenging the existing order.

The course is open to men and women who have shown the willingness and ability to take on responsibility in public affairs related to the rural sector rural and who have definite potential as leaders. Applicants do not necessarily have to be farmers or horticulturists. People who are engaged in service roles in the rural community are equally welcome to apply.

The age limit of 45 years set for previous courses no longer applies. Ms Mills notes that this change will have particular significance for women because they often do not consider entering public life until after they have brought up their children.

Applications close on 31 October and application forms are available now from Dr Alastair McArthur or Colleen Mills, Kellogg Rural Leadership Course, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.