BEING PROUDLY PRODUCTIVE
Liam summed up the Halberg Youth Council July Hui with three words: being loudly productive – a fitting reflection of a few days filled with connection, learning, and purposeful kōrero. “The experience was really good,” says Liam. “I really enjoyed being in-person with my fellow Youth Council members. I find I engage much better face-to-face than online, and the sessions throughout the Hui were both relevant and engaging to our mahi.”
One highlight for Liam was a strengths-based feedback activity, where Youth Council members shared anonymous reflections about one another. “It’s always nice to receive compliments,” Liam says, “but more importantly, the activity helped me identify where I am strongest and how I can use those strengths both in my role and in everyday life.” It also reinforced a valuable personal insight: “I realised I’m more than capable of working effectively with others, thanks to the many opportunities we have to collaborate throughout the Hui.”
The time together also brought opportunities for meaningful connection. Liam found it especially insightful to hear from Dylan and Sarah, who are finishing their time on the Youth Council due to aging out. “It was interesting to hear their reflections on how the Youth Council has evolved – it gave me a sense of how far we’ve come and the legacy that’s been built.” Liam particularly valued connecting with fellow Youth Council member Amy Ellis. “It was fascinating to hear how a visually impaired member experiences Halberg’s work. It gave me a broader understanding of accessibility and how different perspectives shape the way we operate.”
He also appreciated the chance to get to know Joseph Tebutt better – someone he had seen at the Halberg Games but hadn’t had a chance to interact with until now. Several sessions left a lasting impression. The Mana Mokopuna session stood out as a space for open, constructive dialogue. “I came out of that session with a real appreciation for how Mana Mokopuna genuinely listens and facilitates meaningful discussions. Heating the different perspectives from my peers helped me understand how their experiences have shaped their worldviews.”
In the Sport New Zealand session, Liam was encouraged by the team’s passion and honesty. “The spoke openly about the challenges around securing funding, but also about the progress they’r working towards for tamariki and rangatahi. It was refreshing and motivating to hear directly from a national sporting body.” Liam also gained practical tools from the Vulcan session on storytelling and communication. “I learned how to be a more effective storyteller, which will be valuable both within my Youth Council role and when educating others about Halberg and what we do.”
Looking ahead, Liam would love to see more social activities built into future Hui. “The activities we had in February helped strengthen our connections and created a really positive atmosphere,” he says. And of course, no Hui recap would be complete without a nod to one important detail: “Amy books great Wellington food places!”
From new connections and leadership insights to valuable sector knowledge and refreshed sense of purpose, Liam walked away from the July Hui energised and ready to take action. “It was a few days of learning, collaboration, and personal growth – and yes, it was definitely loudly productive.”
