Media Statement

10 April 2012

Why should business care about the wellbeing of children?

Every Child Counts and BusinessNZ are announcing a discussion series about the importance of child wellbeing to the economy, to be hosted at Te Papa on 10 May and 12 July.

“BusinessNZ is involved in this discussion series because we’re increasingly aware that the health and education of children has lasting impacts on their ability to participate in the economy. The issues for children are issues for business,” says Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ.

Liz Gibbs, Chair of Every Child Counts* reinforced this view, saying, “These are matters of national significance. There is mounting evidence that effective investment in the early years in particular shapes the future outcomes for children and there are very real economic benefits from getting it right for children. Every Child Counts wants all New Zealanders to play their part for children and business could have a critical role to play to ensure that New Zealand’s children and our economy have a bright future.”

The thought-provoking series will bring together some the nation’s leading businesspeople, public servants and child advocates 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), Lesley Longstone (Secretary for Education)

With audience participation and discussion!

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