For the past eight years, Buddle Findlay has been proud to host young leaders from the Halberg Youth Council in our workplaces as part of the Buddle Findlay and Halberg Career Experience programme. This creates the opportunity for participants to learn about pathways available in a law firm while developing practical skills and confidence in a professional setting.
High-schooler Natalie Johnston was one of the 2026 cohort who visited our Auckland offices at the end of September. We caught up with her to find out more about her plans following graduation and how she found her experiences at Buddle Findlay.
Q: Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself, what you’re studying and what interests you most at the moment?
I’m in my final year at Whanganui Girls’ College, but horse-racing is what makes me happy. I’ve just been racing for a year, and I’ve made a lot of friends. My parents are involved in a syndicate as well, so it’s a big part of my life.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals or areas you’d like to explore?
I’m planning on taking a Polytech course in massage in Palmerston North. I’m already working as a masseuse, but it can be difficult to get people to take you seriously if you don’t have a qualification, so I’d love to get through tertiary study.
However, I’d also be open to becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher or to working in a law office. I’m keeping an open mind!
Q: Outside of study and work, what do you enjoy doing, and what helps keep you balanced?
Aside from horse-racing, I enjoy just riding horses and swimming. They’re my passions.
Q: Are there particular skills you’d like to develop further, or areas where you’d welcome more experience?
I’d like to learn how to present myself more professionally, as I can sometimes be too quick to speak my mind.
Q: What drew you to the Halberg Youth Council and why is being part of it important to you?
I got involved in Halberg through my swimming and regional events, and I’ve been on the Youth Council for nearly a year. I was keen to get more experience in leadership skills and bring equestrian horse-riding into the Halberg sport side of things.
Q: What do you hope to contribute through your role on the Council?
For me, it’s important for people to speak up. I think a lot of people with disabilities are too scared to speak out if there are issues with access to buildings, for example, and I want to encourage more people to do that.
I also go to schools to teach students and staff how to make their schools more inclusive, especially in sport. I’m really proud that one of the girls who participated in my inclusiveness training then signed up to the Halberg Surf Day. It shows I’m making a difference.
Q: Thinking about opportunities like this placement, what were you most looking forward to and what do you think has been the most challenging?
I didn’t quite know what to expect before I came here. I wasn’t scared to get involved and ask questions, but as a blind person, simply being on the 18th floor and getting around can be tough. The buddy system Buddle Findlay set up really helps – you don’t have to go up to someone you don’t know if you need to ask a question.
Q: Have you learned anything about the law or the different types of career paths available in a law firm you didn’t know before?
I’ve learned much more about the ins and outs of each role in the firm. I knew nothing about it before, but I didn’t realise the opportunities there were throughout.