29 Jan 1986 Kellogg Rural Leadership commences in February

Eleven women are among the 24 people chosen for the Kellogg New Zealand Rural Leadership Program which starts at Lincoln College early next month.

Kellogg program director Mr John Pryde said the higher number women chosen this year reflected the increasing involvement of women in leadership, particularly in the rural sector,

Average age of the 11 women and 13 men in this year's program is 37-plus, one year up on last year.

Youngest on the program is a 25-year-old farm consultant from Oamaru ; the oldest a 45-year-old dairy and deer farmer of Te Aroha.

This year's program starts Monday February 10 with an intensive 10-day course at Lincoln College.

The course is the first phase of a year-long program that will take the Kellogg scholars through individual projects, back to Lincoln later in the year, and then on to Wellington to meet leaders in government and commerce, pressure groups and others.

This year's program the seventh to be held will be funded by a joint committee of statutory producers boards, the N.Z. Counties Association, the N.Z. Fruitgrowers Federation, the N.Z. Deer Farmers Association, and the N.Z. Stock and Station Agents Association.

Until now the Kellogg Foundation of the United States has funded the rural leadership programs.

Kellogg Foundation provided what is known as "seed funding" to get the programs established.

 Now, with the programs well accepted, funding is coming wholly from within New Zealand under an arrangement covering the next three years.

The first Kellogg rural leadership program was held in 1979, and there has been a program each year except for 1981.

During the 10-day course those on the program will live in at Lincoln College, spending up to almost 12 hours a day learning communication skills, negotiating and bargaining, critical thinking and analysis, and decision making.

They will hear speakers from Government, farming and other sectors during course sessions.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Roger Douglas, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Colin Moyle, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Jim Bolger, and the President of Federated Farmers, Mr Peter Elworthy, are among those who will speak.

Among others to speak are Westpac Banking Corporation chief economic adviser in New Zealand Mr Rufus Dawe, N.Z. Wool Board chairman Mr Doug Mcilraith, N.Z. Dairy Board chairman Mr Jim Graham, N.Z. Meat Board chairman Mr Adam Begg, and trade union economist M Rob Campbell.

Kellogg scholars are chosen for their leadership qualities and potential to benefit from the program.

They have to pay to get to and from Lincoln College for the 10-day course, and for their accommodation, but pay no tuition fees.

Further information from Mr John Pryde, Kellogg Program Director, AERU, Lincoln College