Treasury to host Challenge finalists

The Treasury will host presentations by secondary school teams from around the country on Thursday to determine the winner of its inaugural Long-Term Fiscal Schools Challenge.

The Challenge was launched in March, when Year 12 and 13 students were offered the opportunity to propose policy options that address New Zealand's long-term fiscal challenges and in doing so, put themselves in the shoes of the Treasury in analysing and advising on one of the major issues facing governments across the world.

From the 18 schools that entered the competition, 13 have been chosen to present their proposals to a panel of judges from the Treasury and Victoria University of Wellington.

"The Treasury is interested in encouraging fresh ideas and a healthy public debate about the long-term fiscal challenges facing society," Treasury Secretary Gabriel Makhlouf said.

"Long-term fiscal sustainability will be one of the most critical challenges facing New Zealand, and indeed the world, over the coming decades. This is a challenge for these students' lifetimes."

Treasury Deputy Secretary Girol Karacaoglu will greet the students on Thursday. Aside from the presentations, the day's itinerary includes an address by the Hon Steven Joyce, tours of Parliament and Victoria University's Pipitea campus, and a lunch hosted by Professor Bob Buckle.

The 13 finalists are: Auckland Grammar School, Burnside High School, Christchurch Boys' High School, Christchurch Girls' High School, Hutt Valley High School, James Hargest College, Lincoln High School, Lindisfarne College, Onehunga High School, Otago Boys' High School, Scots College, St Mary's College and Taita College.

The winning team will be announced next month, with prizes sponsored by Victoria University.

Further information on the Schools Challenge and FAQs