At NYLD, we believe every young person has the potential to lead. The National Young Leaders Days (NYLD) are the largest and longest running leadership event for primary and intermediate school students. Since 2001, more than 140,000 students have been empowered to fulfill their dreams at an NYLD event in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our goal is to inspire and equip young people across Aotearoa to become confident, compassionate and courageous leaders in their schools, communities and beyond.
INSPIRE. EMPOWER. BUILD CHARACTER. MOTIVATE. EQUIP.
Inspire
We aim to inspire young people to recognise their potential and see themselves as leaders who can make a difference. We challenge them to think bigger, dream bigger and believe in what they are capable of.
Empower
We give students the confidence to use their voice, make decisions and take action. We want every student to leave knowing: “I can make a difference.”
Build character
Great leadership starts with who you are. We encourage young people to lead with courage, kindness, empathy, integrity and respect, and to understand the impact they have on the people around them.
Motivate
We encourage students to step outside their comfort zone, embrace challenges and have a go – even when they feel nervous or unsure. Because sometimes the biggest act of leadership is simply taking the first step.
Equip
NYLD gives young people practical ideas, experiences and inspiration they can take home and put into action. We want students to leave not just inspired by leadership, but ready to live it.
Primary and intermediate school registration
$54.00 per student (Before Wednesday 24 March 2027)
$59.00 per student (After Wednesday 24 March 2027)
Adult registration (Teachers and Parents)
$25.00 per adult
*All prices include GST. Ticket prices are subject to change.
Each year, thousands of students and their teachers from across Aotearoa attend NYLD.
Schools select students who demonstrate leadership potential or a desire to grow as leaders. While many attendees are current student leaders – NYLD is designed for any young person who is ready to develop their confidence, leadership skills, and ability to positively influence others.
Every student receives an NYLD event notebook to capture ideas and reflections throughout the day. Schools receive a digital certificate for their participating student leaders.
NYLD delivers a high-energy, engaging programme featuring some of New Zealand’s most inspiring leaders from across sport, business, the arts, science, community service, and beyond.
Throughout the day, students experience a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, live interviews, question-and-answer sessions, music, video, and interactive moments that keep them engaged and inspired.
More than simply hearing great stories, students witness a powerful passing of the baton as accomplished leaders share the lessons, challenges, and experiences that have shaped their journeys. Each speaker encourages students to discover their own potential, step confidently into leadership opportunities, and recognise that great leadership is about lifting others as well as achieving personal success.
Students leave feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with practical ideas they can put into action in their schools and communities.
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