We exist to tackle tough social and economic challenges facing South and West Auckland.

THE SOUTHERN INITIATIVE

The Southern Initiative (TSI) is Auckland Council’s social innovation team, working alongside South and West Auckland communities to tackle the root causes of inequity and unlock better futures.

We bring people, ideas, and systems together to create the conditions for everyone to thrive—especially Māori, Pacific, and underserved communities who have been excluded from prosperity for too long.

Our approach is place-based and data-driven meaning we start with the lived realities of local communities and use real-time data and insights to guide our decisions. We work in partnership with whānau, mana whenua, local boards, central government, business, philanthropy, and community groups and leaders to surface insights, challenge the status quo, and design solutions that stick.

TSI leads and supports innovation across employment, skills, youth engagement, procurement, infrastructure, and wellbeing—because the challenges our communities face are complex and interconnected. From shaping procurement policy through Amotai, to uplifting rangatahi voice through Buzzly, we’ve helped create new models for equity-led development.

What makes us different is our intrapreneurial mindset: we work inside Council to shift systems, influence policy, and test bold ideas in real-time with our communities.

We don’t just design projects and run programmes—we help to catalyse movements, grow partnerships, and turn local insights into citywide change.

We’re here to make sure every decision, every dollar, and every project contributes to a more just, inclusive, and thriving Tāmaki Makaurau.