PwC gives back to the Auckland community

[19 September 2011]

PwC (formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers) is playing its part in the community by donating more than 1,000 shrubs to the Onehunga High Business School.

The living gift is about getting the students out of the classroom and giving them the chance to learn firsthand how there is strength in numbers - if we all play our part, the results can be substantial and timeless.

PwC is a fervent supporter and leader of social and corporate responsibility and is very aware of how community-mindedness is critical to business success.

PwC Chief Executive Officer Bruce Hassall says his firm hopes to inspire tomorrow’s leaders, along with improving the school’s learning environment.

“Our ambition is to engage with our next generation of business people and highlight corporate social responsibility in a way that sticks in students’ minds.

“Social and corporate responsibility can be quite a dry subject, yet by showing community giving in action, we hope to set an example tomorrow’s leaders will one day emulate,” Mr Hassall says.

Onehunga High Business School Principal Deirdre Shea says the private sector has always been welcomed into the school.

“Community-business partnerships were behind setting the business school up, and continue to play a key part in its day-to-day success. We value the donation of materials, time and interest shown by companies such as PwC,” says Mrs Shea.

Mr Hassall says his firm sees the donation as an “investment” and not only a gift.

“We want to improve the student environment, but our donation goes beyond simple beautification. We hope one day the students will pay the lesson forward for the benefit of future communities when they become influential business leaders themselves. It’s about challenging students to have a corporate conscience,” added Mr Hassall.

-ends-

For further information or media inquiries please contact:

Marise Hurley
Communications Manager
PwC
09 355 8703
Email: marise.j.hurley@nz.pwc.com

About PwC
PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See pwc.com for more information.

2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved.