Applications are open now for Lincoln University's 2006 Primary Industry Council/Kellogg Rural Leadership Course, the country's top professional development training programme for aspiring and incumbent rural sector leaders.
The course's aim is to encourage skilful rural leadership and generate a confident rural voice to balance any possible domination of national policy-making by exclusively urban sectional interests, says Errol Costello of Lincoln University's Professional development Group.
It recognises that rural productivity is still the backbone of the New Zealand economy and the fundamental source of the country's wealth.
Founded in 1979 with an initial grant from the Kellogg Foundation of the United States, the course was inspired by Lincoln University's awareness that leadership is a critical factor in the performance of the primary production sector in New Zealand.
Today the programme is funded by the Primary Industry Council, made up of representatives of the Meat, Dairy, Wool, Pipfruit, Zespri and Game industry. The emphasis is on those who are already showing leadership in their rural community, be it farming or the service sector. The key word is rural.
From its foundation the course was an immediate success and to date there have been over 500 graduates. They include a former Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and national presidents of Federated Farmers. Currently 13 former PIC/Kelloggs are on the Fonterra Shareholders Council.
Kellogg Scholars have made a commitment to New Zealand and are making personal investments of time and energy in the rural sector and their local communities, says Mr Costello.
The course 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 course is limited to 24 participants, chosen by a selection committee. The scholars pay no tuition or administrative fees but meet the cost of accommodation and transport to and from Lincoln University and the visit to Wellington.
Applications for the 2006 course are open now and the prospectus is available from the Professional Development Group, Lincoln University through Cora Baillie at or telephone (03) 3253 628 or Errol Costello at or telephone (03) 3253 832.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Journalist
Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: 64 3 325 2811 ext 8549
Email: Ian Collins