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A more co-ordinated approach to school-business relationship development from the new Auckland Council was called for from a forum held recently in Manukau.
The forum, hosted by COMET on June 23 at the TelstraClearPacific Events Centre, was called to examine the opportunities for better relationship development in the new Auckland governance environment.
The day began with a welcome from the Mayor, Len Brown, and a thought-provoking analysis from David Wilson, Director of the AUT Institute of Public Policy, on why Auckland needed to lift its contribution to the New Zealand economy, and the skills challenge that this involves. Participants identified school-business relationships as an important contributor to the work of building skills, but spoke of a number of challenges. Among them, the impact of the recession on the commitment to partnership, a lack of understanding about how value can be measured, and a gap in the areas of marketing and research.
Participants identified a number of new opportunities that the new Auckland Council brings. Among them, building leadership for the sector, and a brokerage role that helps schools become better connected to local businesses.
An address from Sir Ron Carter urged participants to think “Team Auckland” – it is cities that make a country great, and Auckland will unlock the key to the future of New Zealand.
A report of this event is available here.
