"These speeches are a glorious, positive antidote to mediocrity worship and conformism. The sense of life that shines through is inspirational, and in response I allowed myself a rare moment of reflection on what I might be missing, having been away from New Zealand for three years. Thank you."
Student, London School of Economics, United Kingdom

"I am about to embark on my journey home to New Zealand after three years working in the States. My "mentor" attended your speech to the MBA Association and referred me to this website. He knows I am in a dilemma of "where to now" with no firm career plans in sight. You have inspired me with Peak Performance. I look forward to the challenge of pushing "The Edge" to heights it only dreams of. I have the want, I have the will, I have the passion. I love what you are doing at Waikato University. I am a graduate of the BMS program and am pleased to say it was one of the best decisions I ever made."
Brand Manager, Chicago, USA

"Great idea. NZEDGE was presented to our accounting institute UK Branch on Friday & was very inspirational…Building on the Kiwi pride we have outside NZ (and it is stronger for me since I left NZ) is an inspirational idea - we should all get in boots first and do it, even in the smallest way. We sang our national anthem from the top of NZ House! Some of us cringed while others sang loudly with pride. Throw off the self-consciousness that makes us cringe over such things and stand tall ... we're KIWI'S after all!"
Financial Controller, London, England

"Luv anything/anybody who lifts the profile of New Zealand to the rest of the world."
Farmer, Matamata, New Zealand

"I'm one of those "ex-pat" NZers. One who fled small-mindedness and lousy weather. Apart from cheering the All Blacks, I had subverted my "NZedness" in favour of Australian larricanism and sunshine. Your speech re-awakened some pride in my roots. I have only one suggestion (and I'm nit-picking). The registration form asks for the "city" where I live. I don't live in a city - I live in a wonderful small country town, where people still help each other and take the time to care. Cities are an anachronism - we no longer need to cluster together in polluted, crime-filled hell-holes (refer The Sovereign Individual). I'll be a frequent visitor to this site. And who knows, if I push the edges far enough, I might eventually be named in one of your speeches as a Kiwi who went adventuring far afield and found fame. Keep up the good work."
Marketing Consultant, Margaret River, Australia

"Greetings. Great to see what you are doing Kevin. I am a young tvc director and have just returned from shooting commercials through nine countries. I have returned to become part of NZ again and to secure finance for a hyper marketable vampire film. I have hired top artists to work on and hip studio folk visualise etc. Looks like you are doing great things and please accept my positive support. Please contact me should you wish to align energetic media firestarters or if you are interested more in my film. All the best."
TVC/Film Director, Auckland, New Zealand

"Fantastic! Having returned to NZ last year, I was stunned by the depressing negativity. In response, I have been actively echoing your sentiments. Our company exports strategic management consulting services globally and believe me, the Kiwi attitude is highly sought after worldwide. Thanks for starting this movement."
Consultancy Director, Wellington, New Zealand

"Gidday Kevin, How does it feel to single handedly kick arse!!!!. There is a small but vocal group of New Zealanders here in Copenhagen who subscribe to the theory " If ainŽt seen where we call home, youŽll never know how unlucky you are"!!!. We applaud your vision and your positive message. Looking forward to the NZEDGEŽs first European convention in Copenhagen!!!!!. Kia Mau ki tou mahi e hoa..." Partner, Copenhagen, Denmark

"I wish to become a disciple."
Apprentice Academic, Wellington, New Zealand

"It's great to see an inspiring site about our incredible country. Keep up the good work - I'll be spreading the Edge message in South Africa while I am here (especially during World Cup Fever). Thanks."
Advertising – Director In Charge, Johannesburg, South Africa

"Great Web page. Really enjoyed the ideas presented from the speech pages. Well done - keep at it."
Editor, Christchurch, New Zealand

"I'm involved in worldwide connectivity through satellites, delivering telephone, Internet and multimedia webcasting. I do this from Gisborne, which amazes clients who assume I conduct my business from L.A. where our teleport is located. My comment to them is - why put up with a big city lifestyle and all it's issues when I can happily do 95% of my work over the phone and Internet from my office overlooking a beautiful beach. My family has the perks of a fantastic small city Kiwi lifestyle and a father/husband who is there for them. This is an option that we should be selling all round the world. I believe a centralised business is a dinosaur that has a limited long term future. We are seeing glimpses of businesses addressing their base principles, one of which is do we allow/encourage our employees contribute to their families and communities in a meaningful way. Is this even possible in big cities with time being such a precious commodity? We should be selling this lifestyle and importing people along with their money and visions to share in our wonderful lifestyle and add value to our economy. I appreciate this is not directly export orientated but I see it as a stimulant to growth. I congratulate you on being a catalyst. If you are ever in Gisborne, there we always have a spare bed or 2 and I would enjoy chewing the fat over this topic. Cheers"
Managing Director, Gisborne, New Zealand

"My colleague and I are an advertising creative team that headed for Sydney a year ago with the intention of turning advertising upside down over there in oz! Now we're back here in NZ because we believe it can be better done here! It is almost impossible. Far too conservative and not willing to do something different. We didn't come back with our tails between our legs. We came back with fire in our bellies to make a difference here. We believe we can. We believe NZ is the place that anyone can, in whatever they have the skill and the passion. Your words are inspiring and I'm well and truly behind you. It's time we shook the shit out of this country. It's a monstrous task but we need to get people out of the cynicism and into the anything is possible frame of mind that so much describes the achievers you mentioned. Good on you. We're there with you spreading the good word! Let's hope we can do it so that our talented lot can do it here. Take on the world from within our shores."
Advertising Writer, Auckland, New Zealand

"Great idea! We have got so much that we take for granted. We do not realise the potential of this treasure island we all share. Visitors get excited over our great country, we can too."
Dairy Plant Manager, Palmerston North, New Zealand

"Kia Ora. Like your comments in LOOP magazine - keep that flag flying. Fair winds and following seas."
Ideas Generator, Wellington, New Zealand

"Kevin: A rare commodity … a positive spirit. Had all the prerequisites of being a first generation immigrant to New Zealand – saw only the potential, the beauty and the special qualities you are trying to once again unleash. I get frustrated and down with the NZ’s preoccupation with ‘the past’…not to mention the lack of leadership and the true issues of sustainability. But, as you say, it IS a journey and the best journeys begin with small steps and quality leadership. You’ve been vilified to some extent which is a shame and a nuisance. Thanks for your spirit and energy, not to mention ‘think skin’."
Communication Consultant, Auckland, New Zealand

"We may have a lot in common. We start with vision, create initiatives and implement ventures, redefining ourselves as a virtual company, standing outside of political, economic or religious affiliation, as we seek to leave a better New Zealand and world to our children than was left to us. Initiatives and members are remarkably diverse, and the process used is committed to encompassing economic, social, environmental and cultural sustainability in creating and executing the projects. Cheers"
Founder, Waiheke Island, Auckland

 




"Never give up."
Director, Wellington, New Zealand

"Harness Kiwi minds and send them out to play...good stuff! I hope it makes a big difference."
Game Inventor, Nelson, New Zealand

"Why don't we have politicians like you, Kevin? Such a shame that "Political Leader" is an oxymoron in NZ."
Corporate Refugee, Wellington, New Zealand

"I love the plane! Look forward to learning more about you."
ENT Surgeon, Cape Town, South Africa

"We very much look forward to being part of, and participating in this programme."
Hotel Owner, Blenheim, New Zealand

"Very interesting and inspiring!"
Accountant, London, United Kingdom

"A friend in Antwerp, Belgium introduced me to nzedge - what a concept with great forward thinking ideas. I especially like the 747 concept - we Kiwi's tend to be shy in stepping forward. The Black Bird would be a start in showing pride not only in our rugby team, but also in ourselves and our country - go for it!!!!!"
GM - Operations & Quality Control, Vancouver, Canada

"Interesting initiative, will be seeing where it goes, good luck."
Marketing, Auckland, New Zealand

"This site is both the way forward for New Zealand AND the Internet. It's time to link existing communities and virtual ones, and this site has the energy and commitment to do that."
Internet Strategist, Auckland, New Zealand

"What red blooded Kiwi wouldn't want to be part of this?"
Creative Director, Auckland, New Zealand

"Fantastic! Certainly a concept to be embraced." Business Development Manager, Auckland, New Zealand

"Looks brilliant so far! Can't wait to receive more information. Keep up the great work!!"
Public Relations Consultant, Rotorua, New Zealand

"It's awesome especially for those who have little knowledge on NZ (including myself)."
Accounts Executive, Wellington, New Zealand

"So good to see such a champion! Keep up the amazing work."
Publicist – Self Employed, London, United Kingdom

"What would we attempt if we knew we couldn't fail."
Video Producer, Wellington, New Zealand

"I arrived in England from New Zealand when I was 9 and have lived here for the past 12 years. I always look to show my pride in my country and its amazing achievements and this web site, with its infectious energy, is a fantastic idea to really put the country we all love right on the map. Throughout my schooling here in England I was always hacked off when I looked at maps and New Zealand wasn't even on them, let’s really go for it and make sure everyone knows about our mighty country. Go Kiwi!"
Management Consultant, London, United Kingdom

"Inspiring ... what NZ needs more of ... the right attitude"
Marketing, Wellington, New Zealand

"Fantastic stuff Mr Roberts. You certainly install more enthusiasm and confidence in New Zealand than our local millennium committee. I look forward to further updates and best of luck selling ads."
Entertainer and Advertising Sales Executive, Hamilton, New Zealand

"Peak Performance, teach the new generation to take risks by recognising opportunities which create wealth and satisfaction. Great stuff - consider me a participant in spreading the good news."
Director - Sales & Marketing, Auckland, New Zealand

"I think that it is time New Zealanders realised all the great things our country has to offer and all the great people we have produced."
Student, Auckland, New Zealand

"Come to the edge he said. They said, "We are afraid". "Come to the edge" he said. They came. He pushed them... and they flew"
Consumer Psychonaut, Auckland, New Zealand

"Great information to help in my role motivating, coaching and counseling Salespeople. I will now be checking out the site regularly."
Sales Trainer, Auckland, New Zealand

 




 


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