MEDIA RELEASE
3 August 2012

Business Commentator Rod Oram convenes panel of opinion leaders for Unitec Forum for the Future debate

Business Commentator Rod Oram joins a panel of opinion leaders to discuss whose world it is - young or old?

On Wed 8 Aug, Rod will be joined by Labour MP Jacinda Ardern, President of the New Zealand Union of Students Associations, Pete Hodkinson; Chief Executive of Unitec, Rick Ede; Northern Zone Director of Greypower, Bill Rayner; and Editor of interest.co.nz, Bernard Hickey, to debate this topic.

"The tussle between young and old is getting more intense by the day as social and economic problems pile up," says Rod. "Oldies hang on to what they've got, arguing they know best. Youngsters clamour for action, arguing they can make a difference. Yet, each generation has its virtues and vices, its distinctive roles to play in making New Zealand."

The panel members all have an interest in intergenerational issues. Bernard Hickey is a frequent contributor to the NZ Herald on this issue, while MP Jacinda Ardern believes in communities which take responsibility for their future. Bill Rayner is a voice for the older generation and Pete Hodkinson is a strong advocate for collaborative societies. Rounding out the panel is Dr Rick Ede who who is Chief Executive of the largest Institute of Technology in NZ.

Says Rod, who has been involved in the Unitec Forums for the Future for the last four years, "Having this sort of debate is really important. It gives us an opportunity to bring different ideas out into the open and encourages robust discussion around them."

"Come to Forum for the Future to see where you stand. Who knows.the evening might make you feel younger or older!"

Forum for the Future 2012: Join the Debate

ENDS

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