Like Poutama Trust, The Southern Initiative is committed to exponential, sustainable and inclusive economic development of Māori and Pasifika communities and businesses.
TSI’s major strength, in partnership with other organisations as passionate and committed as it is, is being part of the council family and therefore close to purchasers and its experience and expertise in social procurement.
TSI has been involved in the establishment of New Zealand’s first supplier diversity model, He Waka Eke Noa which will put the transformative power of Māori, Pasifika and community-led businesses front and centre. Check the link www.hwen.org.nz to register.
A place-based initiative in the Auckland Plan, TSI’s role is to champion, stimulate and enable community and social innovation in South Auckland.
Its vision is to create a prosperous, resilient South Auckland where children and whānau thrive. Its central philosophy is strengths-based and whānau-centric and its approach is to learn, explore, experiment and examine what sorts of things might work to help address some of South Auckland’s most pressing social and economic challenges. To do that, TSI works with whanau, local social change agents, grassroots entrepreneurs, businesses, agencies and a number of organisations.
Many South Aucklanders have not shared in Auckland’s economic growth and prosperity. Moving towards inclusive economic growth and a long-term commitment to developing human capital are crucial for South Auckland’s transformation.
TSI focuses on quality employment which tackles the low wage and low productivity rut in which too many South Aucklanders are trapped. Rather than just working to add more jobs to the South Auckland region, or linking local people to available jobs, TSI purposely seeks out jobs with the greatest potential for personal, family and community transformation.
Employment, skills and enterprise activities undertaken by TSI intentionally integrate social and economic strategies to ensure the benefits of economic growth are distributed more equitably. Creating shared prosperity and inclusive growth requires a focus on increasing the incomes and wellbeing of the least wealthy.
TSI also focuses on enterprise and entrepreneurship. Few New Zealand businesses or enterprises are owned by Māori and Pasifika peoples yet experience shows they create impressive social value.
Enterprise and entrepreneurship is a proven way to help tackle social issues. An entrepreneurial mindset encourages resourcefulness, creativity and vision and builds thriving and resilient communities. Like TSI, enterprise and entrepreneurship also has shared prosperity as a core objective.
The businesses and enterprises already in South Auckland are key players in creating potential employment opportunities and TSI works with several of them to help them grow by nurturing confidence and capability.
