Latest news with #NICF
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Whakapapa Decisions: Whānau Centric Campaign Drives Māori Representation In School Board Elections
The Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group (MILG) has launched Whakapapa Decisions: a national campaign designed to increase Māori participation in the upcoming school board elections through nominations, voting, and whānau-led engagement. School boards are where many of the most critical decisions about tamariki education are made, from how schools embed te ao Māori into the schooling experience, to how learning support and cultural safety are delivered, every day. 'We're amplifying the call for whānau, hapū and iwi to be part of those decisions, not just by voting, but by standing for election, facilitating conversations and adding critical information to their kete wānanga,' says Maxine Graham, Lead Technician for Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group. 'This is about changing outcomes for our tamariki by ensuring Māori voices are strong and visible in the places where governance decisions are made.' The campaign officially launched its visual phase last week at the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) in Tūranga on Thursday 3 July, following on from positive engagement at the Ako Ararau Māori Expo (1–2 July). The campaign includes digital resources, community kaupapa, visual stories and wānanga to build awareness and confidence among potential Māori nominees, voters, and school communities. It aims to strengthen whakapapa-driven leadership within school governance so that Māori identities, experiences, and aspirations are supported throughout all levels of the education journey. About the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group: MILG leads mātauranga and education responses for the National Iwi Chairs Forum. NICF exists to advocate and influence matters of national significance on behalf of iwi across Aotearoa. For more information, visit
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
UAF holds ‘Startup Graduation Ceremony'
FAISALABAD: The National Incubation Center (NIC) established at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Monday organised Startup Graduation Ceremony in which 11 startups graduated for cohort 4. The ceremony was meant to highlight a significant milestone in the NICF continued efforts and contribution to foster entrepreneurship and support young innovators. Coordinator to Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan as chief guest said the government was committed to flourish innovative projects aimed at uplifting the country and maximize national progress. He said that the government is supporting private sector to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. He added that these efforts are focused on creating maximum job opportunities for people across the country. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali, in his message, called for honing the innovative and entrepreneurial skills among the young generation that will ultimately pave a way for knowledge based economy. He stressed upon the need to think out-of-the-box to address the challenges and contribute for the development of the country. Ignite National Technology Fund Assistant Manager Moaz Nasir said that it was beginning of a journey where entrepreneurs will shape the future through ideas, resilience and passion. Awais Zaidi form Faisalabad IT Companies Organization (Fitco) said that it is amazing to see that our young startups are not only solving real-world problems but also contributing to the economic development of Pakistan which will play a pivotal role in long run. Head of TMUC Nighat Nasreen lauded the efforts of UAF and said that the university is providing a platform to its students where they are enjoying best possible facilities and opportunities to excel in their relevant fields and make themselves worthy for the nation. NICF Project Director Zeeshan Shahid said startups have successfully tackled critical challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and climate change. He said that since its inception in September 2022, NICF has incubated around 80 startups, generating over 1,100 jobs and contributing significantly to Pakistan's economic growth. Director BIC Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Business Incubation Center said that all-out efforts were being carried out to polish the innovative and startup skills of the students. Three startups of Dr Zaheer Ahmad, Waqar Bin Shahid and Nouman Sandhu were given awards. Graduating startups presented their innovative business models and shared their journeys, challenges and successes during the period. Several startups showcased cutting-edge solutions in agri-tech, education, healthcare and digital services, reflecting the diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial skills. Prominent academic figures, industry leaders, startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the ceremony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
