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"The "tall
poppy" syndrome is a colonial hangover for New Zealanders. We become
embarrassed and then bitter about our successful people. We are cynical
and that limits our vision; it constrains us from doing the undoable and
achieving impossible dreams. We must turn this micro-cultural behaviour on
its head and celebrate the people who make us uncomfortable because of
their go forward nature and lack of inhibition. We must meet the challenge
of the new economy with a fresh attitude. Saul Alinsky - one of the great
social change catalysers of the 20th century - reckoned that "we'll
see it when we believe it."
Change Agent,
Wellington/Pa Waiohiki, Hawke's Bay, NZ
"It's been a long time
since I felt uplifted. The NZEDGE and anything else which has Kevin
Roberts as a part of it does this. Ever since I read a newspaper article
devoted to the man, alongside his cheery, smiley face, I knew that there
are people out there who can drown the negativity that emanates from the
likes of a certain talk-back radio and some of its hosts who are hell-bent
on bringing out the worst in people. We need Kevin Roberts and The NZEDGE
and the Silver Fern. Kia ora!!"
Now Happily Watching The
World Go By! Tauranga, NZ
"Kevin I met you intentionally two years ago at the NZ Tourism
Awards. Intenionally as you inspired me through your oratory skill. I
believe being able to stand on your feet confidently and deliver
articulately your thoughts is a skill leaders should have. Other people
who have inspired me are Des Flynn, Stephen Tindall, Peter Blake and Dick
Hubbard as they know teams create success. Sounds trite to say teams for
we all know it but is it common sense, common practice? Honk Honk!!! Brand
marketing it would seem, to a novice in the game, has moved from
associating the CEO with the swoosh to marketing an image of expectations
people have of the Big M. The brand has become the team but have
businesses behind the brand. We are generating an image THE EDGE (always
liked that) but are we (business) delivering as a team? Thank you for the
opportunity. All the very best."
Facilitator, North
Harbour, NZ
"Great site - I've just
found it and will be passing the location on to a few people who will also
enjoy the positive attitude. We might even overcome the "tall
poppy" put downs and start to learn from and be inspired by role
models if enough people get onto this. I haven't looked at the whole site
yet so there might be something here about team building. It seems to be a
skill we need to learn about to get anywhere near the edge. We have the
model in front of us with Team NZ being able to work together for so long
with so few people changes. How and where do we learn these skills?"
Horse Breeder/Trainer/
Homemaker, Kaikohe, NZ
"WOW!! This site is
awesome!! I can't wait for updates! I am an unemployed house-husband and
father of two. I don't have any fancy doctrines or degrees to impress, but
then that's not what it's about is it? Like you, I have my heroes
too...Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Michael Jones, Michael Jordan...they
inspire me not for what they've accomplished, but for their relentless
drive to be all they can be, yet maintaining their dignity, integrity and
class. Over the past few weeks I've forgotten my heroes whilst searching
for employment, and have been stuck in a
"will-I-ever-get-a-job?" conundrum. With your 'grenade', you
have exploded all negativities that existed and have re-installed in me
the 'magic' needed to take on the world. So watch out IT sections across
the globe, there's another 'Kiwiana Tama', coming to kick some ass!
"The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves"
Thank you and all those involved in producing this site, keep it
comin!"
Unemployed, Wellington,
NZ
"What gives us an edge
could be that we are not intimidated by our isolation through being an
island nation. I certainly do not feel isolated and enjoy the opportunity
to travel and immersing in other cultures. Americas Cup; yes a win. A win
for us would be in the economic stakes giving more New Zealanders an
opportunity for lifestyle choices and self esteem."
Operations Manager,
Wellington, NZ
"Love the site. The Heroes
section is fantastic. I'm going to collect the profiles into a "Be
Inspired by Fellow NZers" folder to look through as a reminder of
what people from our little country can accomplish. Kevin, I have seen you
speak at the University of Waikato to a group of MBA students and your
words fired everyone up. This site expresses your enthusiasm beautifully.
And it's an enthusiasm I definitely want to cultivate in myself. Many
thanks."
Singer Songwriter,
Cambridge, NZ
"Inspirational!!
Congratulations on a superb website. I have just registered! New Zealand
and its great people have a massive amount of potential in so many areas.
Lets maximise our potential! Yes we are a small country but that's what
makes us so unique. If we all work together and with the great Kiwi
attitude of "there's always a better way" we can conquer anything! As
the great NZ Scientist Lord Rutherford said "we don't have any money
so we've got to think". Innovate, Innovate, Innovate!!!"
Sales Manager, Auckland,
NZ
"I have found the pages
read today most interesting and containing much of use. I hope to read
Kevin's speeches as time permits. I am currently President of Invercargill
RSA and Treasurer of Invercargill RSA Club. I will be stepping aside at
the end of March 2000 in favour of our Immediate Past President who along
with myself and other determined Members fought to stave off a potential
closedown of both organisations in 1993. Our teams' efforts resulted in
reaching a break even situation by the end of the 1994 financial year
achieved during the eight months to 31st December 1994. Since then through
good management and executive direction Invercargill RSA has progressed to
a secure future in this new millennium. Hence my great interest in other
people's successes. I wish New Zealand Edge well."
Executive Member of RSA, Invercargill, NZ
"Have just registered with your website - found out about it courtesy
of Xtra. Last night at a function I was part of a discussion about how
schools can maintain their rolls within a community. My suggestion was
that success for a school depended upon the pupils, the teachers, and the
parents talking positively about the school and being proud to be involved
with it. I believe the same applies to New Zealand. From top to bottom, we
have to be proud to be New Zealanders and to want to try to do a little
better each day. I meanwhile am doing my bit. I am 40-something and have
teamed up with three 20-somethings and together we are creating an
internet business that will create portals. And yes, even amongst our
enlightened audience I can hear the exasperated sighs, the suggestions
that it will never work. But that is what makes New Zealanders different.
Our desire to have a go, to defy the self-proclaimed experts and to make
it work. So to paraphrase Tom Peters - "What project are you working
on?"
Anon
"From one brave Kiwi to
another, not afraid to put my beak forward and venture out of the forest
long after the sun has risen. However as an inventor of adventure tourism
products (+$million), New Zealanders must rally to expose and remove the
hand brakes that exist within NZ to preserve that wonderful and
inspirational force. Thank you for keeping the flame going with this web
site!"
Inventor/Engineer,
Ohakune, NZ
"I've got to say that
having read the speech that was delivered to some group in Auckland just
recently, I thought it was that good that I have sent it to people one in
Florida and one in Virginia. It certainly is the way I see things...too
many Kiwis lack positive thoughts and they seem to lack that "let's
have a crack at it" attitude which I thrive on! But ... I am
originally from Zimbabwe and we learnt over there to be independent and
forthright!"
Waimate, NZ
"Hi Kevin - I think you
left off one person who is a winner in NZ right now and that is Helen
Clark. Whether you believe in right or left politics, regardless of whether
you back her policies 100%, Helen is undoubtedly showing great leadership
here in NZ which is what we haven't had for so long with all due respect
to your friend Jennie. I think for the average NZer there is a sense of
some security and a restoration of principle beyond the dollar. NZ just
seems a happier place to live under Helen's leadership - it has surprised
even the most right wing of us here."
Auckand, NZ
"I've just finished
reading your article on the Xtra web site. Absolutely fantastic. I will
definitely be buying Peak Performance too. I know of another New Zealander
you may have heard of that should be considered to have the edge. Dr
Michal Colgan, who is world renowned for his research in nutrition, health
and aging. He's 61 or so but has the features and energy of a 33 yr old.
Look forward to reading further articles in the future."
Auckland, NZ
"Hey Kevin...love your
vibe and your drive...almost scary!! I'm well ready for my next big career
leap and I hopped onto NZedge which is always an inspiration. While I've
been building my resume and reflecting on the highs and lows of my career,
I settled on my time with Britten Motorcycles as total high. To me John
Britten was a hero...it's sad that he had to go so soon. Even though he's
gone I feel that there's a lot that can still be gained from his vision. I
wonder if you could feature John on your site in some way? Something I'll
always remember from my time at Britten MC was a letter we received from a
primary school teacher in Reefton after a school reading journal was
released. The teacher wrote in to share how one of her students who had
been stuggling with his reading was shifted after reading the journal to
discover John had struggled at school and with reading. I wish I had kept
a copy of the letter. When the team read the letter my eyes welled. Keep
at it Kevin. Damn shame your ideas to promote NZ didn't come together last
year, I heard they were stunning. Keep up the vibe."
Auckland, NZ
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"A truly inspirational site!!! We must look forward not backwards.
"
Researcher, Welington,
NZ
"I have not even looked
through your website yet but I know it will be great and I want to be
involved."
Self Employed, Timaru, NZ
"Great site and fantastic
idea!! Good luck."
Self Employed,
Christchurch, NZ
"Uplifting site. Accept
responsibility for everything that happens to you and you will feel
empowered."
MD, Auckland, NZ
"WOW what else can I say.
I am one of those you talk so eloquently about. I recognize my New Zealand
Edge has served me so well working here in the US. I am passionate about
NZ even though I no longer live there. I share you dream for my country
and I am truly excited to find there are so many who feel the same ...
keep the inspiring thoughts and ideas coming."
Fire Protection
Engineer, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
"Every one needs a pat on
the back and its unseemly to do it for ones self ... good on you ...
fostering a sense of national pride! Kia Kaha!"
Herbologist, Whangarei,
NZ
"I came for interest. Stayed to be gob-smacked by wonder. This is
just great stuff. Thanks for giving me a great shake-up."
Retired, Rakaia, NZ
"Take the Edge to new
limits!"
Student, Christchurch,
NZ
"Came to your site through Xtra Newsletter and was very impressed
with the "we are winners" attitude of the site. If it is not
important to win - why keep the score?"
Network Marketer,
Auckland, NZ
"Great site - send more
positive thoughts from Kevin Roberts."
Manager, Holiday Lodge,
Tutukaka, NZ
"What a great site. If I
like one thing it is Optimism & Positivity. Just read Kevin's first
Postcard From The Edge over at Xtra.co.nz I look forward to receiving
updates."
Christchurch, NZ
"Very exciting to see all
these wonderful Kiwis."
Gasfitter, Whangarei, NZ
"This is a very inspiring
site. It's great to know that there are so many positive people
around."
Business Manager,
Christchurch, NZ
"This is inspiring -
thanks!"
Music Teacher,
Inglewood, NZ
"Not looked at much of your site yet but it seems a great idea. Good
luck with this venture."
Proprietor, Warkworth,
North Auckland, NZ
"What a positively
fabulous idea! I'm really excited about what you are doing and very
pleased to help you in anyway."
Industrial Designer and
University Teacher, Wellington, NZ
"I have lived in New
Zealand since 1983. This is my home now and the only place where I feel I
belong. The wellbeing of this country is very important to me, especially
the education and art matters. I am passionate about New Zealand and its
role in today's world. "
Art Conservator,
Dunedin, NZ
"Positively amazed."
Mother, Midwife,
Auckland, NZ
"Seeing this site and what
it calls us to think about is a startling awakening for me and a bright
star for the people I work with who want so much for New Zealand to be in
truth the best humans can make it. Count me in."
Consultant, Upper Hutt,
NZ
"e-inspired."
Managing & Creative
Director, Wellington, NZ
"May the wind that propels
us ever fill our sails but may we always remain the helmsman."
Executive Chairman,
Christchurch, NZ
"Great theme! Check out my
web site www.geewiz.co.nz for
similar thoughts, keep it up!"
Speaker, Auckland, NZ
"Great stuff, delighted you have recognised Alan Broadbent. Our great jazz greats
need more recognition."
Papakura, NZ
"Kevin thanks for your
inspiration. Seth says only ever respond to constuctive statements. Can
you see the difference between "nothing is impossible" and
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE" In my experience people see the
negative "nothing & impossible"! Thanks for the
opportunity."
Auckland, NZ
"Hi Kevin - I've just had
a good look through 'The Edge'. Excellent stuff. I've come to NY in 1998
(fitness conventions) and 1999 (ran the NY marathon). I'm 'marathoning'
again in NY, November 2000. I'd love to meet you, even if for a couple of
minutes. To be honest, you're one of my heroes and I enjoy hearing you
speak and get a real lift from your columns. Are you running the marathon?
Anyway, hope I can meet you when in NY this November. Be good!"
Auckland, NZ
"Hey - liked your edge editorial on the Xtra site - great to see
someone influential congratulating Kiwis in the not so popular fields.
Would be keen to follow your ideas - email me the releases - or I could
just visit the Xtra site now and then. GO KR!!"
Wellington, NZ
"Great site. Wonderful
work your doing, great inspiration. Keep it up. Will look forward to your
columns with Xtra."
Auckland, NZ
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