Symposium on transforming south Auckland
Transforming south Auckland’s social and economic future is the focus of a symposium hosted by the Auckland University of Technology’s South Campus and Auckland Council’s Southern Initiative this month.
Social South Auckland is an interactive session where participants will delve deeper into what change this part of Auckland needs to realise its potential.
Charles Crothers, Professor of Sociology in AUT’s Social Sciences Department, says The Southern Initiative (TSI) has a broad remit to effect positive change in South Auckland.
“Together with TSI, we will be looking at what effecting real change means, what change is needed, and where it should start,” explains Professor Crothers.
“Delivering the most value for South Auckland communities and businesses should be top on the agenda when it comes to growing and shaping South Auckland, and we all need to work together to make it happen.”
Richard Hall, Executive Director of the AUT South Campus, will host the interactive session, which will include a range of speakers, including TSI’s Director of Social and Community Innovation, Gael Surgenor.
“South Auckland is an area identified as having significant opportunities and the key is working out how the community can take advantage of those opportunities to ensure long-term community and social transformation,” she says.
“True transformation will be led by south Auckland so our role is to work with and empower the talent and passion already here to drive social, community and economic innovation.”
Manukau ward councillor and chair of the TSI Joint Steering Group, Cr Alf Filipaina, says the TSI is council’s commitment to improving opportunities and outcomes for the area.
“The TSI team is doing a lot of great work connecting people and organisations and identifying what will have the most positive impact not just in the next 10 years but for future generations. It’s vital that we work together to get the best outcome.”
Full list of speakers:
- AUT Professor Charles Crothers – The Socio-scapes of South Auckland
- Director of Social and Community Innovation – The Southern Initiative at Auckland Council, Gael Surgenor
- AUT Senior Lecturer and Visual Communication Programme Leader, David Sinfield – Community Engagement through Student Projects
- Auckland Co-Design Challenge manager Alastair Child and TSI social intraprenuer Angie Tangaere – Youth in South Auckland
- AUT Communication Design Lecturer, Dr Penny Hagen – The Employment/Employee Fit Project
What: Social South Auckland
When: Wednesday 20 April, 5-7pm
Where: MD Conference Centre, AUT South Campus, 640 Great South Road, Manukau.
Cost: Free.
Register your attendance in the research and symposia section on AUT’s website.
About The Southern Initiative:
One of two geographic priorities identified in the Auckland Plan and covers the local board areas of Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Manurewa and Papakura.
Based within Auckland Council, its purpose is to work with central government agencies, businesses, iwi and community to mobilise strategic and transformational change in south Auckland.
TSI supports, facilitates and enables community and social innovation in south Auckland through:
* Design-led innovation
* Social entrepreneurship
* Community-based economic development
* Technology and creativity
* Procurement
* Employment and upskilling
* Health and wellbeing.
It’s joint steering group includes representatives from mana whenua, southern ward councillors and local board chairs in the TSI area.
Find out more at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/southerninitiative
About the AUT South Campus
The AUT South Campus is New Zealand’s first and only university campus in Manukau.
Situated in the heart of Manukau at 640 Great South Road, on the corner of Great South Road and Te Irirangi Drive, the campus is home to a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the areas of business, computer and information sciences, technology, law, design, health science, sport and recreation, education and Pacific studies.
The campus’ research capabilities are also growing, with significant research being carried out by our students and staff that aim to contribute directly to the social and economic development of the South Auckland region.
AUT will be live tweeting throughout the symposium. Follow AUT: @AUTuni. Hashtag: #AUTUNI