Brad, who is in his penultimate year of his conjoint Commerce and Arts degrees, has been appointed executive director of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand (CYNZ).
CYNZ is a youth-focused organisation that provides opportunities for young New Zealanders to develop their leadership skills. It was founded in 2014 by Victoria alumnus Aaron Hape, and since then has helped over 300 young people develop their leadership and decision-making skills.
Brad says he’s excited to move up from deputy executive director to the top spot.
“I see my role as one from which to build capacity within young people to realise their own potential—to go out and make a difference in their local communities.
“Being named CYNZ’s executive director provides me with further opportunities to work with a fantastic group of passionate and skilled young people to make our mark on New Zealand.”
As executive director, Brad will provide leadership to the organisation’s seven-member executive committee, all of whom are Victoria students or alumni.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Commerce Professor Bob Buckle says Brad’s appointment is “thoroughly deserved”.
“He is an outstanding student leader and the experience he has already achieved is a wonderful example of the opportunities available to our students interested in honing their leadership skills.
With five years’ experience in youth affairs, Brad is also currently deputy chair of the Wellington Youth Council, serves on Victoria’s Academic and Commerce Faculty boards and the US-NZ Youth Council. He was last year recognised as New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader for his work with young people.
He hopes his study in Public Policy, Economics, International Relations and Political Science will help him advance a career with the public service or into economics.