| New Zealand Young Writer Conference 5 April in Wellington saw young people come together from Auckland, Cambridge, Rotorua, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch and Wellington. Liz Hay NZ Panellist who sent Reflections said of it: "Getting you all together is crucial – assisting with air fares is an investment in each and their future, and says to you that they and what you are doing, really matters. The networking is invaluable for everyone involved. Having the young writers do most of the work at the conference – chairing, taking sessions, and contributing was very significant. The establishment of a NZ leadership group and meeting over dinner beforehand was a strategic move too. To plan and implement ways of keeping the group going when Mark is not in a position to head it up is also really important. I appreciated how up-front Mark was about that. Sophia Sinclair's input was invaluable, and I’m glad to see that she is going to do the same thing at the Oz conference. I appreciated Sam Burrows too; he brings a different approach, but I was agreeably surprised by the thoughtfulness of his input. Daniel Jang's story was a moving one – and I am sure inspired others with his humble, whole-hearted and thoughtful commitment to mission. So altogether a great mix of input from the young people. (I am only sorry I did not get to meet the others one-to-one and get to know them a little better.)" | 
NZ Leadership Group: Daniel Jang, Jeremy Suisted, Sam Burrows, Casey Murray, Brad Mills, Sophia Sinclair. |