ATEED’s programme to increase effective engagement with central government agencies is progressing well, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with NZTE, and ATEED invited to present to the Business Growth Agenda (BGA) Export Ministers Meeting in Wellington on 11 May.
Since our inception, we have established good relationships and partnerships across many government agencies and ministries – with a focus on tactical, project-based work. But establishing more strategic and senior relationships with government agencies will lead to better economic outcomes for both Auckland and New Zealand.
We have mapped out where our own Statement of Intent connects with the aims of the Government’s BGA, resulting in three interdependent focus areas which would most benefit from a partnership approach: business attraction; talent; and trade.
These areas became the core focus of a series of positive meetings held in Wellington with government agencies. They want to work more closely with ATEED, on behalf of Auckland Council, on shared areas of economic interest.
In the talent attraction space, we are now taking steps towards greater levels of data sharing, supporting evidence-based planning through a shared platform with the Tertiary Education Commission. Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry of Education are also keen to support this initiative, bringing in agencies in manageable stages.
We are developing a shared narrative on the value (beyond economic) of international education, with the Ministry of Education, and Education New Zealand.
Earlier this month, the Memorandum of Understanding signed with NZTE focused on finding and removing any duplication of programmes, on clarifying roles, and looking for areas of greater and focused collaboration.
As a result of initial meetings with senior MFAT staff, ATEED was invited to present to the BGA Export Ministers Meeting on 11 May. ATEED’s areas of discussion were well received by the ministers, and many of the 30 or so senior officials present from ministries and central agencies commented on the ministers’ positive feedback. This has cemented central government support for ATEED’s activities in the coming months.