Media release from Every Child Counts

1000 days to get it right for every child: Business discussions to highlight shared interest in child wellbeing

The second event in the Every Child Counts-BusinessNZ discussion series will take place at Te Papa at 7pm tomorrow (Thursday 12 July), with a strong focus on the mutual interest of businesses and communities in ensuring good outcomes for children.

Speakers at the event will highlight the fact that the issues affecting children are sometimes beyond the scope of families alone to tackle, and will challenge businesses to more actively support efforts to improve life for children.

Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ says, “Employment is a key factor in a successful environment for bringing up children. Healthy families are self-supporting families and the role of business in creating and sustaining employment is fundamental. Jobs also provide ongoing opportunities for skills development, enabling better economic prospects and better parenting. Business success and successful families go hand in hand.”

Jenny Prince, Chief Executive of Plunket will talk about the tangible contribution businesses are making to Plunket’s work with families and children. She says, “When children get a poor start they are much less likely to be healthy, educated and employable so there is a very real incentive for businesses in helping us to improve life for children. The businesses working with Plunket are enabling us to reach more children and families; deliver a wider variety of services in communities; and, with support of companies like Microsoft, the way that we collect health data is being revolutionised.”

Pam Muth, Strategic Policy Consultant, will provide insights into international case studies. She says, “It’s important for businesses to have a better understanding of the issues confronting children and families, and for the businesses, government and community organisations to have a common language so that we’re not talking past each-other. There is a significant return on effective investment in children and we have to make the case to business so they understand that we’ll all benefit when we get it right for children.”

Pastor Chris Sola says, “Our work in South Auckland illustrates what can be achieved when you bring good business practice to social service delivery and community development. The Dream Centre is unique because we are working to become self-sustaining so that we are not dependent on any external funding. We’re keen to share our experience with others.”

The Every Child Counts-BusinessNZ discussion series brings together some of the nation’s leading businesspeople, child advocates and thought-leaders to explore what can be done. 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 12 July, 7-8.45pm

Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

Chair: Kim Hill

Panel: Phil O’Reilly (CE of BusinessNZ), Jenny Prince (CE of Plunket), Pam Muth (Strategic Policy Consultant), Chris Sola (Pastor of the Dream Centre in Manukau)

With audience participation and discussion!

ends

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