Each year, the Westpac Auckland Business Awards recognise leading organisations who have excelled across a range of different areas in business and the community. This year was particularly competitive, with 1284 entries across the awards programme. Our Auckland team are humbled and honoured not only to be nominated, but to be announced as a finalist for the “Excellence in Community Contribution” category!
This award recognises organisations that implement initiatives that have a positive impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. In this case, our team have been nominated for their work on the He Ara Ākonga programme, which aims to support disengaged youth in the Franklin region.
The programme, targeted at Year 10 students who have become disengaged in the wake of nationwide lockdowns, helps young people to develop their self-belief and confidence, increases their resilience, and gives them a renewed sense of purpose and positivity about their future. It also helps to connect young people with mentors and prospective employers in the community, giving them a greater awareness of the opportunities available to them, along with a realistic understanding of how to successfully make the most of these opportunities. Not only does the He Ara Ākonga programme help to re-engage the young people themselves, but helps to reduce youth unemployment in the region, and connect local businesses with future talent.
All the best to our Auckland team at the upcoming awards!