Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs to continue supporting youth to get work placements

Network Waitaki field operations manager Nathan Cunningham (left), employee and Mayor’s Taskforce...
Network Waitaki field operations manager Nathan Cunningham (left), employee and Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs client Trent Woodford and Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher earlier this year. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) has been a hit in the Waitaki and looks set to continue.

The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and aims to support local young people aged 16-24 into work placements.

Between last July and this June, the programme has helped 50 Waitaki young people into sustainable employment within the district, taskforce member Jason Evered said

"These are only the numbers helped directly through the MTFJ programme.

"Many more were referred to more appropriate means of support, either through other providers or MSD directly."

Almost two-thirds of those who joined the workforce via the programme had entered either primary industries or trades services.

A handful also joined retail and hospitality industries.

Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said the programme was a "win-win" for those involved and the community.

"Helping employers and helping those young people not only ensures we have fewer people going into the social welfare system, we are also able to help fill skills shortages."

Mr Kircher has a keen interest in helping young people into work following his time as a work broker for Work and Income before becoming mayor.

MTFJ was a step up.

"Doing that from within the [Work and Income] system was difficult and very structured — it required them to be over 18 years old and already on a benefit.

"Having our local solution which gets young people into work earlier delivers excellent results."

The taskforce is running again in the 2024-25 financial year.

Mr Evered hoped they could help a similar number into the workforce this coming year.

"I see no reason why the MTFJ opportunity will not be as successful for our district as it has been in the previous years."

He also confirmed the programme had been renewed for 2025-26 as well.