16 April 1996 Leadership course date change not so suitable

Insufficient enrolment interest in a July start to Lincoln's Kellogg Rural Leadership Course has led the University to revert to its usual February commencement date.

That means there will now be no 1996 course, and the next one will start on Monday 3 February 1997.

Course Director Dr Alastair McArthur says it was believed a winter starting date would prove convenient for sufficient numbers from the rural community whose work schedules normally preclude them from participation. However such has not been the case.

"There are generally about 25 places on the course filled through a selection process from about double that number of applicants. The integrity and high standing of the course is maintained by making placements competitive," says Dr McArthur.

"The proposed July course produced fewer than 15 applications so we didn’t even have all our places covered. It is hoped, however, that those who applied will be able to carry over their availability to February next year."

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Courses, funded originally through the Kellogg Foundation of the United States and now supported by the joint NZ Producer Boards, is the country's top training programme for current and potential rural leaders. Over 300 scholars have been through the programme since it started in 1979 and graduates include top farmers and horticulturists, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Federated Farmers office-holders at all levels, local authority leaders, and senior personnel in rural service industries.

The course involves a 10-day residential period at Lincoln University, a research project carried out at home, a return to the University to present the research and a visit to Wellington to meet business and political leaders and observe the processes of lobbying, power-broking and decision-making.

Applications for the 1997 course, starting 3 February, are being accepted now and the contact is Dr Alastair McArthur, c/o The Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury.

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