8 September 2006 Top Rural Leadership Programme – applications open

Rural people who have tried their hand at leadership roles and would like to improve their leadership ability are invited to apply for the 2007 intake on Lincoln University's Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, the country's top professional development training programme for future and current rural sector leaders. Applications close on 24 October 2006.

“The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme is for people living and working in rural communities who have had some leadership experience, helping them to realise their potential as leaders,” says Programme Organiser Cora Baillie. “And it’s been doing this for over 25 years.”

“The programme develops communication and decision-making skills, gives confidence in negotiation, an understanding of rural sector issues and how to investigate and report on issues.”

The emphasis is on those who are already showing the beginnings of leadership in their rural communities, be it farming or the service sector. The key word is rural.

Founded in 1979 with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation of the United States, the programme is based on Lincoln University’s belief that leadership is a critical factor in the performance of the primary production sector in New Zealand.

From its foundation, it was an immediate success and to date there have been over 500 graduates. As well as a former Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, national presidents of Federated Farmers, there are many more “Kelloggers” quietly making a difference in their communities.

Peter Nation, National Sales Manager for the Gallagher Group, a Kellogg Scholar on the 2003 programme, says there is no doubt that the programme was a personal catalyst for setting new challenges and that it assisted him to broaden his thinking and vision towards the agricultural industry in New Zealand and beyond. He says he felt very privileged to participate in such a prestigious leadership programme.

Angela Payne, Production Manager with Agri-lab Co-Products Ltd, was on the 1999 Kellogg programme and she says it was a “life changing event” for her. She says she has frequently used the negotiating, strategic thinking and public relations skills she learnt on the programme.

“Opportunities have unfolded as a result of the confidence I learned and the contacts I made on the programme.”

Today the programme is funded by the Primary Industry Council, representing the interests of Meat and Wool New Zealand, Dairy InSight, Pipfruit New Zealand, Zespri International and Deer New Zealand.

The programme has three parts – a residential period at Lincoln University at the beginning of the year; a period researching and compiling a report on a specific topic of the scholar’s own choice; a period back at Lincoln to present the reports; and a field trip to Wellington to meet and speak with key rural and industry leaders about the practice of leadership and rural sector advocacy in the “corridors of power”.

The programme is limited to 24 participants, chosen by a selection committee. The chosen scholars pay a fee of $2250 (incl GST) which covers all tuition, tuition materials, accommodation and meals. Transport to and from Lincoln University and Wellington are not included. Scholars are encouraged to seek sponsorship for fees and transport.

Applications for the 2007 programme are open now and close on 24 October 2006. The prospectus with application form is available from the Professional Development Group, Lincoln University through Cora Baillie at baillec@lincoln.ac.nz , telephone (03) 325 3628, or you can download an application from www.lincoln.ac.nz/krlp .

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