Leadership in Action: Highlights from the Wellington NLP Hui
We’ve just wrapped up another incredible Year 13 National Leadership hui and it’s a special one, as it marks the last time this amazing cohort will be together before heading off on their next adventure beyond high school. Over the three days, our Year 13 leaders packed in a huge amount of mahi- giving valuable feedback to the AA social media team, creating content for our new Term 3 campaign, planning how to welcome the next group of leaders, and even hosting a morning tea and kōrero with community partners. It’s always impressive how much they manage to achieve in such a short time!
Of course, it wasn’t all hard work. The group made time for some fun too! Half headed off to mini golf while the others unleashed their inner performers at karaoke. Being just down the road from the Beehive, they even got the chance to meet a few politicians (check out the photo below!)
My favourite moment was the NLP project presentations. The creativity and passion that shines through is truly inspiring. I can’t wait for you to see what they’ve come up with!
-Bobbi
Here’s what our leaders had to say about their Wellington (and NLP) experience:
This NLP event (like all NLP events) was the most amount of fun I have had in ages! Not only did we bond more with our team but learnt so much. -Eva
Our year 13 hui was great! Loved seeing everyone again and working together on achieving some great work. Look forward to staying involved in future years. -Hannah
So so fun!! So great to catch up with the friends I’ve made and make lasting impacts with multiple organisations. Great food, great activities, great people. -Bethany
This NLP event has been incredible. Connecting with strangers who quickly became close friends, all while working together for a meaningful cause, has been a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The networking opportunities were amazing, allowing me to engage with such a diverse range of people. I would 1000% recommend this to anyone who’s a passionate leader and genuinely driven to make a difference. -Sophie
Very good I really enjoyed all of it - Ella
My highlight was the conference session with all the local groups, I learnt heaps! -Chanalee
KARAOKE!!!! Also learned that I love everyone at SADD -Brooke
Goodbye NLP, With Love. Leaving NLP is so much harder than I ever expected. This wasn’t just a program—it was one of the best experiences of my life. I met the most amazing people, shared endless laughs, and made memories I’ll carry forever. From karaoke nights full of joy to late-night gossip sessions that brought us closer, every moment meant something. We weren’t just learning—we were connecting, growing, becoming a family. I’m so sad to leave, but incredibly grateful. Thank you all for making this unforgettable. I’ll miss you more than words can say. -Lily H
NLP has been so fulfilling and insightful. It’s intense but productive, truly work hard play hard. I am leaving feeling very well fed and have so many things to take away for my future. -Pavelyn
The SADD conference was amazing! The highlight for me was talking to the community partners. It was so inspiring to see everyone so passionate about making a difference and to challenge them with some of my questions. - Lily P
I loved the events and group task were my favorite to connect with the other National Leaders more -Victor
Big thanks to our amazing leaders for all the effort and energy they bring to this hui, to our SADD team members who give their time to be there to run the event, and to our wonderful community partners for their support!