Interactors, assemble!

PICTURED: Approximately 125 Interactors from 18 schools came together on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for an Interact Conference held at One Tree Hill College, NZ. (Photos: Imran Harahap)

Two young Interact leaders recently hosted a conference for Interactors across Rotary Districts 9920 and 9910, with more than 125 young minds coming together to explore ways to positively impact the wider community.

By Imran Harahap
One Tree Hill College Interact Club, Auckland, NZ

Inspired by previous conferences, co-leaders of One Tree Hill College Interact Club Arya Godkhindi and Keiko Bruce took the initiative to host a conference for Interact, inviting Interactors from Districts 9920 and 9910.

The idea was first mentioned in July 2024, and with funding from Rotary District 9920 and support from One Tree Hill College Interactors, work began.

Motivated by their passion for leadership and community service, the conference was hosted by Arya and Keiko on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at One Tree Hill College.

“From first hearing about the idea as a little light bulb moment to when it was actually happening on the day, I think it was a great success,” said Lara Thompson, a dedicated conference supporter.

Approximately 125 Interactors from 18 schools from as far away as Whangārei and American Samoa assembled in the Marylin Wales Auditorium, welcomed by One Tree Hill College principal, Nick Coughlan.

The conference aimed to spark innovative ideas and inspire pioneering plans for future Interact events.

Our goal was to create an outcome that would impact the wider community,” said Arya.

In preparation for the conference, Arya and Keiko divided the OTHC Interact club into different committees: Media, Operations, MC, Front Desk and AV. Each committee oversaw the preparation of their own part of the conference, which led to an incredibly successful event.

Keiko said that the biggest challenge in preparing for the conference was reaching out to all the Interact schools.

“We had contacts, but with limited existing connections, getting responses was nerve-wracking. Now, with the conference establishing a strong network between our clubs, this will be much easier in the future.”

The conference ran from 9:00am until 2:15pm. Upon arrival, participants were divided into different table groups made up of students from different schools to encourage collaboration.

To break the ice, group members took part in various introductory activities to bring everyone together. Once everyone was familiar with members of their groups, the 40 Minute Challenge was introduced. Each group had 40 minutes to produce a profound, impactful event that aims
to spread awareness of, and help meet, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.

PICTURED: Approximately 125 Interactors from 18 schools came together on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for an Interact Conference held at One Tree Hill College, NZ. (Photos: Imran Harahap)

After the 40-minute brainstorming session, each group had the opportunity to present their ideas to the rest of the conference. Participants then cast votes on which concept they believed to be most deserving of support. The collectively decided event was a Ki o Rahi tournament that aims to raise money for charities addressing climate change and its impacts. The collective then held a discussion to further develop and refine the concept.

Interactors also heard from several guest speakers, who shared their insights on self-improvement, psychology, new plans for Interact, and individual experiences.

Governor Elect for District 9920 Kirsten Hawke talked about the opportunity for Interactors to become a youth representative on the district’s board; Rotarian Craig Horrocks introduced a new initiative that gives internships to Interactors with the aim of providing them with valuable experience in the working world; two attendees of RYLA, Cushla Fasavalu and William Creedy, shared pearls of wisdom with the group; and four long-time members of One Tree Hill College’s Interact Club, Lola Renwick, Neve Gordon, Zara MacMenigall and Abisha Nishanthkumar, shared their personal accounts of what being in Interact has meant to them.

I hoped that through sharing my experiences it showcased the instillment of values and skills the club has provided me with, which is centred around our motto of Service Above Self,” said Abisha.

“It’s not every day you get to talk to a bunch of people about something you really like… I really hope I inspired people to sign up for more events and get involved more with Interact,” said Zara.

The conference was not only a space for collaboration, but also a powerful reminder of the strength of youth leadership. It brought together passionate Interactors, sparking ideas on how to make a tangible impact in the wider community.

“The attendance of all individuals just goes to show how much Interact is an integral part of our growth,” said Abisha.

As the conference came to its conclusion, the connections made, and the ideas exchanged, left participants eager to continue their journeys within Interact. Participant Kavinesh Chand described the conference as “friendly and lively”.

My favourite part was presenting our 40-minute plan because I got to see the different ways Interactors can solve problems around the community effectively and efficiently,” said Abraham Mounga, another conference participant.

Other participants said the conference was an enjoyable, exciting experience, that empowered them to make new friends and learn
new things.

Looking ahead, there lies a symbol of what can be achieved when young leaders unite for a common cause. The Ki o Rahi climate change initiative is a strong example of what young leaders are willing to execute to take an idea from vision to action – proving that with the right minds, the right people and the right influence, limitations are a matter of the past.

The Ki o Rahi climate change initiative is a strong example of what young leaders are willing to execute to take an idea from vision to action.