High school welcomes a new business partner

Kelston Girls High School once struggled to find people prepared to volunteer their leadership skills and serve on its board of trustees.

But this year it has partnered with law firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts to ensure the board has the necessary areas of expertise covered.

The link is part of charitable trust Ed & Co's bid to partner low-decile schools with businesses that can help them strengthen their leadership and governance.

Ed & Co chief executive Julie Donvin-Irons said a large number of businesses in Auckland were keen to help schools.

They helped by sharing their skills rather than providing financial assistance.

The majority of business partners helped boost leadership by sitting on the school's board of trustees.

Kelston Girls High School principal Linda Fox said she was looking forward to building a strong relationship with Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.

The law firm has agreed to mentor senior students, and would support the school's art programme by displaying artwork in offices and helping organise and publicise the art show.

It agreed to become a partner after hearing about the success of the pilot programme with other schools.