Onehunga High Links With Auck Uni Business School

Onehunga High Business School Links With The University Of Auckland Business School

The University of Auckland Business School (UABS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Onehunga High Business School (OHBS) which will strengthen existing ties as well as introduce important new initiatives designed to benefit OHBS students and staff.

Prime Minister Helen Clark will tomorrow officially open OHBS, the first and only secondary school in New Zealand whose mission is to train and develop high school students in the skills of business and entrepreneurship. UABS Dean, Professor Barry Spicer, says the partners share a common goal of improving the quality of business education in New Zealand and promoting an enterprise culture.

"We're keen to help Onehunga High Business School attract the best staff and students from a range of diverse backgrounds. We also hope students will want to continue their studies at The University of Auckland Business School or other faculties at the University."

Starting this year, UABS is introducing three annual scholarships of $4000 each, designed to raise the aspirations of young talented students and increase their teachers' expectations.

To attract more Maori and Pacific Island school leavers to UABS one scholarship will be available to a Maori student, one to a Pacific Island student, and one will be available in open competition across OHBS.

UABS will also assist OHBS staff with career development, including offering scholarships each year to allow OHBS staff to attend Executive Development Short Courses at UABS.

Other areas where UABS may assist OHBS include providing speakers on topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation and business planning; opportunities for student visits to the University and the ICEHOUSE business incubator; workshops run by the University's Bachelor of Business and Information Management librarian; and mentoring of students by UABS's associations and clubs.

"Business education is often neglected at secondary schools," says Professor Spicer. "That's a great pity because the country needs well educated business people to grow. By teaching students about business from an early age they can be encouraged to continue their studies and go on and be successful at business."

OHBS opened its doors in February. The School is the brainchild of Tony Falkenstein, managing director of Red Eagle Corporation and an Onehunga High old boy. Other ex-Onehunga High students instrumental in the School's foundation include Andrew Grant, principal of consultancy firm McKinsey & Co, and Sue Wood, former National Party president. A $360,000 Industry New Zealand grant, added to Just Water Ltd's $300,000 financial underwriting, supported the School's launch and subsequent success.

"We are absolutely delighted with the continued positive support of The University of Auckland Business School," said Mr Falkenstein. "This partnership will enrich the learning experience and prospects of our students and significantly assist in the professional development of our teaching staff."

OHBS has a staff of six teaching 251 selected students from Years 11-13, providing them with the skills which they can further develop to be successful in the business world. Most are expected to go on to tertiary study.

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