Auckland Council and The Southern Initiative

The Southern Initiative (TSI) is a place-based innovation hub, established by Auckland Council, focused on local and system-level transformation to improve current and generational wellbeing. Together, Auckland Council and TSI have being adopting anchor-like practices in the way they address priorities for south and west Auckland, including:

• strengthening opportunities for procurement from Māori and Pasifika owned and operated businesses, or businesses that are committed to employing south and west Aucklanders
• undertaking urban redevelopment initiatives that generate good local outcomes (eg, Te Haa o Manukau co-working and maker space)
• providing healthy food and beverages at Council-operated childcare and community facilities
• making services such as libraries more welcoming and accessible to families experiencing cumulative and toxic levels of stress.

These practices leverage Council’s assets, procurement activities, resources, and services to grow local wellbeing. To grow these practices further, Auckland Council and TSI continue to explore collaborations and connections with central government, industry, universities, social enterprises, philanthropists, and service delivery organisations.