Korean War essay kick starts Leadership Network journey
In 2009, on the day of her grandfather's passing, Kathy Errington was named the winner of a Foundation essay competition for descendants of New Zealanders who had served in the Korean War. As a child, she had listened to her grandfather's tales from the war, which were infused with a spirit of adventure but also reflected the difficult times he had lived through. Winning the essay competition introduced Kathy to the Foundation and the Leadership Network, which she joined that same year.
During the Korean War, Kathy Errington’s grandfather enlisted in the 16th New Zealand Field Regiment
During the Korean War, Kathy Errington’s grandfather enlisted in the 16th New Zealand Field Regiment. He was to remain with this unit for the duration of his time in Korea, which came to an end in April 1954.
Kathy says she’s always loved history, and she remembers talking to her grandfather about his time overseas.
Among the turmoil, some of the memories recalled can feel unexpected.
“We were very close. I liked hearing his tales of Korea,” Kathy says.
“I remember he told me once that it was freezing cold at night…and the only way you could really get warm was to wear women’s woollen stockings under your uniform in your sleeping bag."
Kathy’s grandfather was the second to youngest sibling of a large family – all his older brothers had fought in World War Two. One had been killed.
During her chats with him, it always struck Kathy that Korea had felt like the great adventure of his life.
“It was, obviously, stressful and terrifying at times, but he did it so he could go overseas; that was why he signed up. I always found it very sad that it was the best available option. I am from a more fortunate generation.”
Listening to her grandfather's stories from Korea as a child
Fast forward 70-odd years, and Kathy headed to Korea herself as part of the Leadership Network's North Asia Hui held in Seoul.
“We went to one of the graveyards of the New Zealand Korean war veterans in Busan. That was really moving.”
She connected with the Foundation in 2009 after entering an essay competition aimed at descendants of Kiwis who had fought in Korea in the 1950s.
Remarkably, news her grandfather had died was delivered while Kathy was accepting her award as one of the essay competition winners.
That love of history and a curiosity to look towards horizons unknown has led Kathy on plenty of great adventures of her own.
As a teenager, she spent a high school year in Argentina. At university, it was off to the Philippines for a debating competition.
Kathy visiting Tokyo with her family
It seems natural the career path that followed has involved roles that have required her to be outward looking.
She’s about to embark on a new role – with the Indonesia team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington. It involves a move south from Auckland, where she’s been deputy director of MFAT’s office in the city.
As a graduate, Kathy started with MFAT’s Pacific division, before being posted to Tokyo.
Here, her career path took an interesting side route, with the Helen Clark Foundation.
It was in Tokyo that she met the former prime minister and, she says, “one thing kind of led to another” - Kathy was the public policy think tank’s founding chief executive.
Her stint with the Helen Clark Foundation coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic and some of her work focused on research into ‘loneliness’.
It inspired Kathy to co-edit a book, ‘Reconnecting Aotearoa’, that combines first-person narratives, journalism and research with the aim of fostering a more connected and resilient society in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Kathy was the Helen Clark Foundation's founding chief executive
Friendships cemented through the Asia New Zealand Foundation have been vital throughout Kathy’s career.
“It has connected me with outward looking New Zealanders.”
She drew on the relationships often, particularly during the start-up years of the Helen Clark Foundation.
“I was employee number one there, and I was so glad to have all these interesting people to call on.
“I think what the Asia New Zealand Foundation does with the leadership network is really important in terms of building those relationships and making people think about themselves as a New Zealander that is connected to Asia. They’ve definitely done that for me.”
While New Zealand is home for now, Kathy has not ruled out living offshore again, calling any opportunity to do so “a real privilege”.
Being back with MFAT is a good fit.
“I came back because of that desire to be part of something bigger than myself.”
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.
