Described by Knowledge Wave Trust Director, Bridget Wickham, as "a remarkable collection of talented New Zealanders", the 50 delegates, whose ages are mainly in the 17-35 range, were discovered in a nationwide media search held in November last year. Readers of newspapers from North Cape to the Bluff nominated the hundreds of candidates from which the final 50 were chosen.

"These emerging leaders are New Zealanders with impressive credentials in a very wide range of areas from the performing arts through to business. Each one is an outstanding individual with great potential to grow as our leaders of tomorrow. We expect them to bring fresh perspectives and genuinely innovative thinking to the Forum and importantly, to link their communities into a national leadership network."

The 50 delegates from around the country will join 50 emerging leaders selected by the Knowledge Wave Trust in a special pre-Forum programme, then go on to hear some of the world's best thinkers on topics relating to growth, community, knowledge and leadership.

Ms Wickham said the mix of emerging and established leaders would bring a special dynamic to the Forum.

"For this year's event we have a true mix of ages, sectoral interests and experience, with delegates coming from all regions of New Zealand. We expect lively discussion and many fresh perspectives and look forward to some innovative outcomes."

The Knowledge Wave Trust acknowledges the vital support of the newspapers and their editors who participated in the Emerging Leaders Search. They are: -