About Us

Who is the Halogen Foundation?
The Halogen Foundation New Zealand is a non-profit organisation, incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. It was founded to assist schools develop student leaders.

The Halogen Foundation operates independently and has no links with any political organisation or any other group.

What is the vision statement of the Halogen Foundation?
The Halogen Foundation exists to inspire and influence a generation of young people to lead themselves and others well.

How is the Halogen Foundation governed?
The Halogen Foundation's Governance comprises of a Board of Trustees of professionals from various backgrounds who contribute to the development of the organisation. The Board's membership periodically changes to reflect the strategic focus and direction. The Board members are as follows:

Denise Krum - Chairperson
Denise is the Chairperson of the Halogen Foundation board and has been part of the board make-up since 2002. 

She is the Director of TableSide Charitable Trust and is heavily involved in her community and local school. Denise believes that great social change begins when children and their families connect with their communities to look out for others and create extraordinary outcomes.

Patrick Ikiua
Patrick is a lawyer and advisor, whose practise is a boutique consultancy  working within the corporate and NFP sector. His company, RIM Consultants also provides leadership and management training for community service providers and businesses.

With a joy for teaching Patrick continues to lecture part time as adjunct faculty in commercial law.

Vicki Watson
Vicki is General Manager of the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The Sir Peter Blake Trust aims to help New Zealanders make a positive difference for the planet through activities that encourage environmental awareness and action, and leadership development. The trust works to carry on the legacy of Sir Peter, his spirit and values.

Vicki has experience in project management, communications, marketing and finance from roles both in New Zealand and overseas.

Ezra Schuster
Ezra Schuster is one of the founding members of The National Young Leaders Days in 2000 and has been involved in the education sector, both domestic and international, for over a decade and more recently in national leadership roles. Ezra has travelled extensively and has lived and worked in Thailand, Japan and the Pacific region.

He sits on a number of advisory boards and has developed several educational and youth leadership initiatives, specialising in working with diverse communities.

He is currently the National Pasifika Manager, a senior management role with the Ministry of Education.  In 2009, Ezra was selected to represent NZ in the Emerging Leaders Dialogue by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Who endorses the Halogen Foundation?
The National Young Leaders' Days are endorsed by leaders around the world. In New Zealand, The National Young Leaders' Days are endorsed by business and community leaders, various members of parliament, the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Minister of Education. See the endorsements page on this website for further information.

How is the Halogen Foundation funded?
The Halogen Foundation is not government funded. Revenue is derived from: Schools that attend The National Young Leaders' Days or purchase products, Private Donors, Corporate Sponsors, Companies who supply goods and services at no or reduced cost. As a non-profit organisation, surplus income must be put towards the objects of the organisation and cannot be distributed amongst the Trustees. Trustees are volunteers and receive no remuneration. If you or your organisation would like to support the Halogen Foundation please contact us on 09 623 3222.

Why the name change from Young Leaders Foundation to Halogen Foundation?
Part of great leadership is choosing to stand out when you think you have something to give to your community. Our old name had a tendency to be lost in the haze of modern communications, particularly online. By choosing to become Halogen, Young Leaders is making a conscious decision to stand out from the crowd, making it easier for you and others interested in building young leaders to find us.