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Vision of a skilled nation wins competition

Saturday 13 October 2012, 2:41PM

By Massey University

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Stephen Lines, winner of the 2012 Future U competition.
Stephen Lines, winner of the 2012 Future U competition. Credit: Massey University
Future U finalists – Saijel Dheda, Disha Gomathinayagam, Maia Visnovsky, David Bassett, Peter Scriven, Clare Wu, Edward Boxall, Stephen Lines, Joel Robinson, Prerena Nair, Jonathan Papageorge, Indya Tolo.
Future U finalists – Saijel Dheda, Disha Gomathinayagam, Maia Visnovsky, David Bassett, Peter Scriven, Clare Wu, Edward Boxall, Stephen Lines, Joel Robinson, Prerena Nair, Jonathan Papageorge, Indya Tolo. Credit: Massey University

A vision of New Zealand as a food basket for the world, with 100 per cent renewable energy production and a strong focus on education has won the 2012 Future U competition.

Hutt International Boys’ College student Stephen Lines presented his vision with confidence and passion, with the judges describing his presentation as having the “whole package”.

While Mr Lines painted a broad picture of the country he would like to see in 2050, he says his key message was about the important role skilled people will play in New Zealand’s future prosperity.

“New Zealand will be relying on its people in the future,” he says. “We can’t compete with the manufacturing output in China, or the mining booms of Australia, so New Zealand really needs to focus on its talent and education if we are to succeed.”

Future U is a joint initiative by Massey University and Westpac to encourage the nation’s youth to become thought leaders. It invited high school students to post videos outlining their vision for New Zealand in 2050.

Mr Lines was one of 12 finalists from all over the country to be chosen to workshop their vision at Massey’s Albany campus. The group were mentored for a day by Massey University academics to help them think critically about their visions, and refine them in preparation for presentation to the Future U judging panel and a live audience.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor and judge Steve Maharey says the 12 presentations outlined some of the changes New Zealand will face and, more importantly, how those changes should be addressed to produce a positive outcome.

“We had a variety of answers – from promoting a vegan way of life, to environmentalism and using technology in innovative ways,” he says. “I think the great thing, though, was the balance of idealism and realism, a sense of trying to look forward to a society where people have done things to try and make it better.”

Westpac’s Director of Corporate Affairs Sue Foley agrees. “It’s encouraging to know that we have a future generation that is intelligent, innovative and switched on,” she says. “They are clearly passionate about seeing the country they call home develop and achieve great things.”

Mr Lines will return to Auckland on December 3 to give the opening address at the It’s Our Future – the new New Zealand Forum, an exclusive, invitation-only event that will bring together prominent international and national thought leaders to discuss a vision for a successful New Zealand.

He will share the stage with world-renowned thought leader Daniel Franklin, executive editor of The Economist, and the editor of Megachange 2050, a book that outlines the big trends that will shape the world’s future.

“Stephen will bring a youthful perspective the to the forum,” says Mr Maharey. “He will set the scene by presenting his vision of New Zealand in 2050, and challenging attendees to create the sort of country his generation wants to live in.”

Mr Lines says he is overwhelmed by his win and excited at the prospect of addressing the forum.

“I think it will be a fantastic opportunity to represent New Zealand’s youth in such an important discussion,” he says. “Young people need a future they can look forward to, and I’m excited to have the chance to have my input.”

For more information on Future U visit: www.future-u.ac.nz

For more information on the new New Zealand Forum visit: www.newnzforum.ac.nz