1000 days to get it right for every child

Every Child Counts and BusinessNZ

In the lead up to the first in the Every Child Counts-BusinessNZ discussion series exploring why businesses should care about the wellbeing of children, speakers at the event have highlighted some of the important issues they are contributing to the discussion.

Dr Allan Freeth, CE of Telstra Clear, says, “Business is part of a society. Not only does business have an obligation to do good, business has an obligation to provide leadership, and to speak out. It is my belief, that we are on the eve of a process, that will see a new business model evolving. A model, underpinned by a technology, that places the power to speak-out and act against governments and corporations, in the hands of youth. Of course, I am talking about social media. Business, and many like institutions, will no longer be able to ignore the developing social movements of coming generations.”

Dr Jo Cribb, Deputy Children’s Commissioner, will also highlight the need for business leaders to stand up for children, “Business needs children and children need business. We all know that businesses can impact positively on workers and their children by providing workplace practices that support people to parent well. But businesses can also play an important role in making smart investments that benefit both shareholders and communities, and using their influence as leaders to advocate to government on behalf of children.”

Lisa Tumahai of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu will discuss the particular role of Iwi business enterprises and education that improves outcomes for Maaori. “It’s essential that we continue improving educational outcomes for young Maaori so our children and young people have a chance to participate in the economy and society. Iwi-led education and business enterprises have a vital role in providing for our people but we must also be staunch advocates for our children and ensure that parliament provides the political leadership children need.”

Dr Airini, Head of the School of Critical Studies in Education at The University of Auckland, will emphasise the particular needs of Pasifika children and the ways in which their education contributes to New Zealand 's social and economic development. “None of the issues we’re talking about exist in a vacuum, that’s why businesses have to engage in this discussion. But it's also why education needs to partner more with business. A big part of the solution is in a new kind of partnering. Leaving large numbers of Pasifika children on the margin undermines our society and economy in significant and costly ways. Combined leadership - education, business, and politics - is needed if we have any chance of becoming the nation we hope to be and the highly competitive and productive economy we need to be.”

The Every Child Counts-BusinessNZ discussion series will bring together some the nation’s leading businesspeople, child advocates and thought-leaders to explore why children’s issues are important to businesses and what can be done to support better outcomes for children.

The media and the public are invited to join in the discussion as follows:

“1000 days to get it right for every child: the business of nurturing children”

A discussion series by Every Child Counts and BusinessNZ

Thursday 10 May, 7-8.30pm

Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

Chair: Kim Hill

Panel: Dr Allan Freeth (Telstra Clear), Dr Jo Cribb (Deputy Children’s Commissioner), Lisa Tumahai (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu), Dr Airini (Head of School of Critical Studies in Education, Auckland University)

With audience participation and discussion!

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