Tēnā koutou katoa - Greetings to you all

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our people gain employment and confidence. Our two main workforce programmes are continuing to be successful and have both been extended for another year. In the main article on this page, you will be able to read about our support for unemployed jobseekers who are cleaning up our domains and reserves.

We also have the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs workforce programme for our youth, which has had some impressive results. Since starting in mid-2020, the Mayors Taskforce has helped 170 young people into employment in our district, and this number is increasing steadily. So far, 133 local companies have participated in this workforce programme in the Tararua District.

I am thrilled that the successes of the two previous years have resulted in funding for a third year of Mayors Taskforce support for the Tararua District. Our team is always looking to expand the programme and help our local companies to employ young jobseekers.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide network of New Zealand's Rural Mayors, that strive to reduce youth unemployment in their districts and connect businesses with staff who are committed to work. Support includes providing funding to reduce the costs of taking on the new employees, and giving mentoring support for the young employees. These funds remove some of the barriers that can be problematic to local businesses when hiring someone with little or no experience. The upfront costs to get started with a job can also be considerable financial barrier for young people who have just come out of school. It has been rewarding to see the benefits to young people in having appropriate workwear, tools and pastoral support provided to ensure their success.

There is funding available to those businesses wanting to employ via the programme. Please get in touch if you are interested in finding out more: mtfj@tararuadc.govt.nz