Ākina's Social Investment White Paper Celebration
Ākina Chief Executive, Nicola Nation, facilitates Ākina social Investment white paper celebration panelists: Jonathan Boston, Tami Harris, and Helmut Modlik at the Forsyth Barr Wellington office.
Ākina brought together a roomful of passionate advocates for social change at the launch of its Social Investment White Paper on Wednesday, 24 July 2024. The event featured a panel of experts who shared insights and sparked discussion on how to create a more equitable Aotearoa.
Ākina CEO Nicola Nation emphasised the complexity of the challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand, but expressed optimism that social investment can be a powerful tool for intergenerational change. "The work in front of us is complex," she said, "this week we came together united by a belief that social investment is a tool to help deliver the inter-generational change we need."
Held at the Forsyth Barr Wellington office, the panel featuring Jonathan Boston - Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Tami Harris, Chief Executive Officer at Acorn Neurodiversity, and Helmut Modlik, Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive Officer) at Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira, brought diverse perspectives to the conversation. From Boston’s deep-rooted understanding of social investment and public policy to Harris’s frontline experience and Modlik’s Matauranga Māori, the panellists painted a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The discussion highlighted the need for a shift from short-term solutions to long-term, systemic change.
“This week we came together united by a belief that social investment is a tool to help deliver the inter-generational change we need”
Attendees left the event feeling inspired and hopeful. Ākina believes that by investing in people and communities, New Zealand can address its most pressing social challenges. The organisation is committed to continuing the conversation and supporting others on their social investment journeys.
The Social Investment White Paper outlines three key recommendations:
Involve the community and those experiencing the outcomes in developing a social investment approach.
Foster partnerships between government, external funders, and the community.
Adopt a long-term, apolitical approach to achieving social outcomes.
Ākina invites everyone to read the full white paper and join the movement for a more equitable Aotearoa.
Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te katoa. Let’s work together for everyone’s wellbeing.
