Alumni Leader of the Year 2024
Pictured above: Norm Hill – CELF Alumni Leader of the Year & Dr Peter Sun Photograph by: Barker Photography @barkerphotonz
The CELF Alumni Leader of the Year Award recognises the positive impact and contribution a leader and their leadership has had on their own organisation and community, exemplifying the mission and values of CELF.
Norman Hill
Director
Norman's LinkedIn Profile
Norm's leadership emphasises practical outcomes, cultural integration, and environmental sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on the Waikato community. His work exemplifies how collaborative approaches can strengthen connections between people, culture, and the environment.
Norm started the Waikato River Kaitiaki River Sweepers. Saddened by the continued disposal of household and other refuse into the Tupuna awa (ancestral river), Norm acted giving up his weekends to go out in his boat and with whanau and friends, to pick up the rubbish.
His leadership exemplifies mana and integrity. He does the mahi and brings people together to change our region for the better.
Norm had the final words, graciously accepting the award and the acknowledgement of his peers and leaving us with
“ Keeping the “Wai” Kai te pai!
Alumni Leader of the Year 2023
Brett Maber
Executive Director - Power Farming
Brett's LinkedIn Profile
After completing CELF, Brett identified a significant gap left by the discontinuation of the Gwynne Shield, a major component of school rugby in the region. He created a replacement competition that is fit for purpose. The Gwynne Shield, one of the most reputable trophies in Waikato Rugby, was gifted to Brett by Waikato to have the Power Farming teams now play for it.
Over the past two years, more than 1000 kids have been playing rugby thanks to Brett. Through sport, particularly rugby, participants gain much more than just the game itself.
In addition to creating an amazing competition that has strengthened our community, Brett has also pursued excellence in his own growth by studying at Harvard University this year.
Alumni Leader of the Year 2022
Kylie Leonard
Kylie Leonard is CELF's Alumni Leader of the Year 2022. She was sponsored onto the CELF Elevate Leadership Programme by Tompkins Wake, as NZ Dairy Woman Network Community Leader of the Year in 2018. Since graduating from The Elevate Leadership Programme in 2019, Kylie has been on a leadership trajectory.
Kylie is a dedicated Mum, wife, and community leader. She is an experienced director, rural professional, a farmer, governance specialist leader and mentor. She is a member/chair of multiple boards in the community, providing guidance and leadership. She was a finalist in this year’s Women on Boards, retained her seat as Taupo district a counsellor and just announced a recipient of a Nuffield Scholarship.
Kylie says ”if I want to see change it is up to me to be part of making that change happen!”
Alumni Leader of the Year 2020
Rachel Karalus
Our inaugral recipent of the Alumni Leader of the Year Award Leaupepe Rachel Karalus - CEO K’aute Pasifika was was recognised for her leadership on Friday 20 November 2020 graduation.
Watch her acceptance speech here.
Pictured: Rachel Karalus, CEO - K’aute Pasifika (left), Tania Witheford, CELF - Executive Director (right)
Recognising Leadership
The CELF Alumni Leader of the Year Award is a prestigious honour that celebrates outstanding CELF alumni from any previous cohort who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Waikato.
This award specifically recognises alumni who have made a positive impact on their organisation and community, embodying CELF's mission and values.
Nomination Criteria
The Alumni Leader of the Year Award 2025
Who can make a nomination?
With the nominee’s permission, anyone may submit a nomination for the CELF Alumni Leader of the Year Award. Self-nominations are also encouraged.
Each nomination should clearly outline why the candidate deserves consideration, with supporting evidence to streamline the selection process.
What information is required?
LinkedIn profile and/or resume (if available)
A detailed description of how the candidate meets the award criteria.
Supporting information, evidence, and/or references
This award is open to CELF alumni from the first cohort through to 2024. It celebrates the positive impact and contribution of leaders who exemplify CELF’s mission and values.
Award Criteria and Eligibility
To be eligible for the CELF Alumni Leader of the Year Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
Alumni Status: Any CELF alumni who has graduated from a previous cohort is eligible. This includes graduates from the first cohort in 2016 through to the graduated cohort of 2024.
Leadership Excellence: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, setting a strong example within their organisation and the broader community.
Positive Impact: The nominee must have made a measurable positive impact and contribution to their organisation and community, exemplifying the mission and values of CELF. Their actions should reflect CELF's commitment to responsible, impactful leadership that benefits the Waikato region.
Nominations should clearly articulate how the nominee meets these criteria, including specific examples or evidence of their leadership, achievements, and community contributions.
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