Knowledge Wave flows into trust

A new body to carry on the work of the Knowledge Wave Conference was announced yesterday.

The Knowledge Wave Trust has been set up as an independent organisation to monitor recommendations from the conference and promote initiatives that flowed from it.

Announcing the trust's formation, vice-chancellor of the University of Auckland Dr John Hood said conference organisers had received widespread support from around New Zealand to keep the Knowledge Wave project going and to promote the debate on New Zealand's transition to a more successful, prosperous and socially cohesive society.

"The trust will keep the spirit and energy of Knowledge Wave alive by acting as a catalyst to promote existing and new initiatives, stimulate public debate and discussion about the merits of those initiatives and benchmark New Zealand's progress on economic, social and environmental indicators," Dr Hood said.

"A national change in mindset will be an essential first step if we are to create a culture that values learning, innovation and the pursuit and application of knowledge."

He said the trust would identify and initiate a series of projects with business and community partners. The trust's formation was welcomed by Prime Minister Helen Clark, who said there was a clear consensus to take the project to the next stage.

"The Knowledge Wave Trust is the logical forum to build on the momentum of the conference to develop and contribute ideas on our collective national goal of raising the living standards of all New Zealanders," she said.

The trust will be administered by an independent board of directors representing business, education, community and social groups. There will also be an advisory board that would meet quarterly and political parties would be invited to send representatives to these meetings as observers.

In addition to its monitoring and promotional roles the trust will also produce new studies and commentaries and produce research.

The University of Auckland is selling videotapes of speakers at the Knowledge Wave Conference. For details contact Alison Booth, Knowledge Wave Event Coordinator on (09)373-7599 ext 2546 or email

a.booth@auckland.ac.nz

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