The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs.
Through residential workshops, seminars and personal study over an 11-month period, up to twenty-four men and women who live and work in rural New Zealand meet to:
- develop solid leadership skills
- learn how political, cultural, social, economic and physical forces impact on New Zealand agribusiness; and
- establish networks with leaders from New Zealand and beyond.
Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA. The University recognised that leadership would be a critical factor in the future performance of primary production in New Zealand. The course was an immediate success and past Kellogg participants have demonstrated the positive benefits of the course through their leadership positions in New Zealand and elsewhere in the world today. The Primary Industry Council has been the sponsor of this programme since the mid 1980s.
Read more about the international context of the programme (PDF 25 KB)
Read more about the background of the programme (PDF 22 KB)
Comments from previous participants
“When I was asked to become president of Waikato Federated Farmers, I realised I had little in the way of leadership skills except what I had observed. To be come president of such an organisation, I needed to understand what was required to lead the progressive Waikato province, and was advised that the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme would give me the skills I needed and also provide me with excellent abilities to use elsewhere in life. With the comprehensive series of training seminars and professional presenters that the Kelloggs programme offers, I was given a wide range of skills to use in representing, driving and promoting the organisation I had been asked to lead. Those skills have helped considerably in now making Waikato Federated Farmers an organisation that Government, councils and business leaders ask to consult with so they can gain a proper understanding of the rural sector. Spending that time at the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme in 2003 gave me the confidence to know that, with the right training, all of us have the ability to become leaders in our communities.”
Peter Buckley, former President, NZFF Waikato
“Living on a farm and working in a rural health centre, I did wonder how Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme would benefit me personally and professionally. The programme gave me the confidence to step up and ‘have a go’; to be tenacious and turn obstacles into opportunities. I have developed a successful business in primary health, which, until the Kellogg programme in 2004, was little more than an idea. Impact Health NZ Ltd became a reality, delivering a range of Workplace Health and Wellness Programmes. The Kellogg’s Rural Leaders Programme was, for me, about being challenged, understanding the importance of systems, innovative ideas, networking and making some lifelong friendships. I can not thank my sponsor enough for encouraging me to apply.”
Katherine Archer, Impact Health NZ Ltd
"Being a participant in the first course back in 1979 was not only a privilege but a defining experience for a young County Councillor from Taranaki...gave us informal access to the country's leaders; our own raw skills were challenged, tested and sharpened; and we were somehow all motivated to tackle a wide variety of leadership roles from then on."
David Walter, Chair, Taranaki Regional Council
"Attending the Programme in 2001 was an experience that added greatly to my research and presentation skills. The interaction of the group was brilliant for discussions on a wide variety of topics. For the first time in my career, I had real contact with people outside my own industry and realised that rural New Zealanders share many similar issues."
Barbara Kuriger, Fonterra Shareholders Council
"A tentative application to attend the 1983 Kellogg programme has been the best investment for personal development and satisfaction that I have made. It has led to a 15 year involvement in the governance of the New Zealand dairy industry. My confidence was inspired by John Pryde. If you have a passion for a cause and have common sense, this programme is for you.“
Doug Leeder, Chair, Dairy Insight
“My project for the 1994 Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme was the initial business plan for Racewell Industries Ltd. This provided the business with a benchmark for measuring success in an agribusiness venture. The Kellogg programme also provided me with the proposal-writing skills that aided in our success in the Business Excellence Awards in Innovation (2004) and Manufacturing (2005). Building on that initial plan has charted the way forward for out business, and assisted in getting us to the forefront of manufacturing livestock-handling systems sold in New Zealand and overseas.”
Carol Fagan, Racewell Ltd