11 July 2005
Comet Achieving Educational Outcomes For Young People In Manukau
The City of Manukau Education Trust, (COMET) presented their six monthly report to Manukau City Council's Economic
Development Committee meeting on 6 July. Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau wanted it noted in the minutes the
outstanding work the Trust has done since its establishment in 1999.
COMET is one of the best performing Council Controlled Organisations. In the current corporate year it has successfully
delivered the Manukau Family Literacy Programme, funded by the Ministry of Education; the Youth Transition Brokers
programme, funded by the Ministry of Social Development; and the Principal for a Day programme, funded by Manukau City
Council.
Sir Barry says, "The issue of many of our young people, in particular those of Maori and Pacific Island heritage, being
inadequately qualified and poorly prepared for the workforce has been well documented. COMET, born out of Manukau City
Council's Education strategy, was established to address these imbalances. At the time we were taking a huge leap of
faith that this approach would work. We have been lucky to have had on board since the beginning an exceptional CEO in
Bernadine Vester, who has given of her all since the outset.
"In order for the Trust to succeed it needed to be supported by government, businesses, schools themselves and local
government. Through the superb effort and dedication of Bernadine and a hard working Trust very capably led by Chair Dr
Stuart Middleton, this has been achieved with partnerships set up with key organisations and tertiary providers to
support the successful programmes which have been developed." COMET has been exploring support mechanisms for
businesses, schools and students, such as a brokerage service, to resource mentoring and partnership programmes in
Manukau. This has been manifested in the successful 'Te Wero: Pathway's Challenge' launched in 2000 to help our youth
make a positive school-to-workplace transition.
Sir Barry says, "Last year 60 schools participated in the Principal for a Day programme whose objective it is to
strengthen school-business partnerships. This highly successful programme has brought COMET into national prominence
receiving huge publicity. School principals and business and community leaders have become wholeheartedly involved along
with our own Councillors and City Manager, Colin Dale. Last year Paul Holmes participated and presented it on his
evening show.
"The Manukau Literacy Programme at Bairds Mainfreight Primary School, which I have seen in action, works with families
to increase literacy and has been a resounding success.
"Education is the key to the future and I applaud the work COMET has done for young people in Manukau. Long may its good
work continue "
ENDS