Big things are in store for Francesca Long and Daniel Stockton, who are set to make their mark on Aotearoa - and the world.
Since childhood, Francesca Long knew she wanted to work in the public sector and find a role that pushed New Zealand forward. When it came time to choose a degree, a Master of Global Studies was the natural choice.
"Global studies is transdisciplinary and allows you to really extend your mind and challenge your own assumptions," she says. "You learn to consider different lenses - economic, historic, environmental, humanitarian - which is needed in today's world."
She and Daniel Stockton belong to the 2024 Kupe Leadership Scholarship cohort, a group of New Zealand's most promising postgraduate students chosen for their academic excellence, leadership potential and passion for Aotearoa's future. Students are carefully selected to take part in a bespoke leadership programme aimed at growing their personal and professional skillsets. As well as receiving significant financial support from individual donors, each student is matched with a prominent industry leader who provides one-on-one mentorship throughout the year.
When Francesca learned her mentor was Rachel Maidment, Auckland director of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, she was blown away.
"I was totally shocked," she recalls. "It was a dream come true."
The pair met regularly throughout the year and Francesca says it was Rachel's guidance that encouraged her to continue pursuing her goals when she felt overwhelmed by assignments.
"She reignited that passion for the public sector and heart for service. Hearing her story was also inspirational - she didn't get where she is by luck, but by hard work."
This sentiment is likewise reflected in the success story of serial entrepreneur and Zeil founder and CEO Anna Mowbray, who funded Francesca's scholarship and was "like a second mentor".
The mentorship element was also a highlight for Daniel, who graduates this year with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce conjoint. His scholarship was funded by Orbit World Travel Auckland and his mentor was Phil Gibbons, ONZM, Director of the New Zealand Defence Force's Institute for Leader Development. It was a fitting pairing, says Daniel, who has been a soldier in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force (ResF) since 2021.
"Phil used to be Deputy Chief of Army. I couldn't have asked for someone better."
Over the course of 2024, the Kupe scholars came together for workshops and field trips, including a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with marae chairman Ngati Kawa Taituha.
"That was an impactful memory for me," Francesca says. "I now know the significance behind a karakia or waiata, of acknowledging the iwi of this land. It makes me proud of who I am and brings more depth to my New Zealand identity."
Daniel was inspired by a trip to Parliament in Wellington, where they had the chance to watch Question Time and talk to MPs, including Minister for Climate Change Simon Watts and Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins.
"I loved it. It was practical, meeting influential people and understanding their processes."
Both Francesa and Daniel have already made the first moves in their careers. Daniel is now working as an employment law clerk at Auckland-based firm MinterEllisonRuddWatts. In February, he was commissioned as a ResF officer and is aiming to serve as a Platoon Commander in Auckland. He intends to use the knowledge he gained from being a Kupe scholar in future leadership positions he hopes to hold.
Also in February, Francesca headed to Singapore to undertake an internship at APEC Secretariat, an intergovernmental organisation promoting economic growth in Asia-Pacific. She admits it's a big challenge, having never lived alone or left her parents for more than two weeks, but she says being a Kupe scholar helped prepare her.
"I was able to go into this trip with the knowledge and confidence I've built not only as a leader, but as a person."
She has an internship with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise lined up for her return home and is excited to see where her career takes her.
"Right now, my passion, my expertise and also my identity is connected to Asia. How can I bridge New Zealand and Asia better through relationship building? And how can I equip myself to become a mentor for the next generation?"
