Conference opens with promise of innovation policy

2.45 pm - By NEIL SANDERSON

The time for 'self-flagellation' over New Zealand's decline in economic health compared to other OECD countries is over, says the Prime Minister.

In welcoming 450 delegates to the Catching the Knowledge Wave conference in Auckland this afternoon, Helen Clark acknowledged there had been underinvestment in New Zealand's people and their needs.

"Our drive downward relative to others cannot be ignored."

She said the government had "a key role" in addressing the situation, and would this afternoon release a Draft Innovation Policy comprising two reports: a stocktake of New Zealand's current situation, and a proposed framework for the future.

The Government was also looking to the conference to use the power of the "collective mind" to propose ways to greater economic and social health.

Laying out the context for discussions, historian James Belich and Judge Mick Brown then took the stage for the first plenary session of the conference, "Who Are We As a Nation?"

The conference began with a welcome from Sir Hugh Kawharu, Paramount Chief, Ngati Whatua, and University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hood.

The conference is hosted by the Government and the university.

Discussion continues until Friday afternoon, when workshop groups will present strategies based on the five conference themes: Innovation and Creativity, People and Capability, Sustainable Economic Strategies, Entrepreneurship, and Social Cohesion and Bridging the Knowledge Divide.

Other Herald features

Our turn

The jobs challenge