More than just jobs behind wise vision
Forsaking the good money and great lifestyle of Australia to come back home to Taranaki hasn’t been without its struggles for Roy Matoe.
In his 60s and back on home soil for the first time in 30 years, Matoe felt his age had been the major stumbling block to him finding work.
‘‘They say ‘oh mate sorry, you’re not the person we’re looking for’.’’
Having a job has been part of his life since the age of 15, when he left school – a place he went to ‘‘play sport and eat his lunch’’.
So not earning a wage was a ‘‘really hard’’ time, Matoe said.
But his luck changed last June, when he landed a job in the land care team at Waitara Initiatives Supporting Employment (WISE) Charitable Trust.
Decked out in hi-vis overalls, gloves and safety glasses, Matoe’s weekdays are now spent maintaining grounds, gardens and lawns for clients of the trust. It’s a role he relished.
‘‘I’m so thankful and grateful. It’s good to put food on the table and pay your own way.’’
Providing opportunities to people such as Matoe was an integral part of the kaupapa (purpose) of WISE, which for more than 20 years had created job opportunities in Taranaki.
Those who have benefited from the work scheme included older workers and people who struggle with reading and writing.
Known primarily by the public for the work it has done in the home insulation sector, its vision was more about the welfare of people, rather than profits.
Chairman Damon Jacobsen said investment into its human resource was the main focus of the trust’s work.
At the moment, the organisation employed 25 people, 85 per cent of whom live in Waitara but Jacobsen said the trust’s success wasn’t measured by how many staff it had on its books. Rather, what it wanted to see was people moving on from the trust, with newfound skills and confidence, into other employment or higher education.
Being recognised for providing that stepping stone for people is what Jacobsen hoped will be the legacy for the organisation.
It’s a goal shared by trust general manager Tracey Bryant, who planned to continue to build relationships with industry partners so when people walk through their doors looking for opportunities, there are options already available for them.
Bryant said creating a link with the wider community was another key ingredient of the trust’s vision. It established a community garden, helped garner supplies for the foodbank and gathered together stationery for needy children ahead of the start of the school year.