Waimakariri joins Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Help is at hand for Waimakariri youth seeking employment.
The Waimakariri District Council has joined the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs, to support local youth into employment.
The programme has been successful in the Hurunui and Kaikōura districts and a recent change to the population threshold meant Waimakariri was now eligible for funding.
‘‘As Mayor this is an initiative that I will be actively involved in supporting,’’ Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘I am looking forward to seeing this project commence and I am 100 percent behind it.’’
The programme will be administered by the council’s community team.
‘‘Given the team’s well-established local networks and connections, this is an ideal fit for the role.’’
The initiative was funded by the Ministry of Social Development on an initial six-month pilot.
The council was in the process of appointing an employment co-ordinator to work alongside young people and local employers.
The six-month pilot aimed to get 12 young people into the local workforce, offering a range of support and guidance to help them on their journey.
‘‘The aim of the role is to increase collaboration and add value across the work readiness sector,’’ Gordon said.
The programme aimed to address barriers and misconceptions which limited the ability for local young people to access sustainable employment, he said.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
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Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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