Mayors’ jobs programme extended to 2026

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme to be extended to June 2026.

The announcement followed calls from the mayors recently for funding assurances for the programme, which helps young people get into employment, amid a rising unemployment rate.

Kaikōura district councillor Vicki Gulleford said she was pleased with the announcement.

‘‘We don't know how this will be distributed throughout the participating programmes or what the expected number of outcomes will be.

‘‘However, we are very hopeful that the strong successes Kaikōura has achieved through our previous delivery of the programme will stand us in good stead for continuing with a similar or increased contract for the next year.

‘‘Kaikoura District Council will continue to partner with Te Hā o Mātauranga to deliver the programme locally.’’

The Kaikōura MTFJ programme was contracted for 38 sustainable (at least 91 days), full-time employment placements, for the year to June 30 and placed 48 people, including 44 youth.

The Hurunui programme is contracted for 15 placements, and placed 16 young people.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she was ‘‘thrilled there is a longer term vision to enable the programme to continue to grow’’.

‘‘The mahi is important for our young people, to remain connected, confident and contribute to our district.

‘‘This extended focus is important for our wonderful employers and our partnership with MSD.’’

The Waimakariri District Council only joined the programme at the beginning of last year, but has enjoyed some positive outcomes, Mayor Dan Gordon said.

MTFJ Waimakariri facilitator Elizabeth Trevathan said about 130 referrals or contacts from job seekers have been received in the last 12 months.

‘‘On average we have around 40 job seekers actively engaged at any one time.’’

While the Waimakariri programme was funded for 14 placements, it placed 29 people, including 26 youth in the year to June 30.

A further 20 young people have been placed into part-time, casual or fixed term employment contracts.

‘‘This programme is a great example of localism in action,’’ Gordon said.

‘‘It utilises local knowledge and relationships to help young people secure work and start careers that will help them throughout their lives.

‘‘There is a real demand and need for it and our council will be seeking to continue the programme and continue helping young people in Waimakariri.’’

The Ministry of Social Development funds the programme.

Upston said the Government’s focus is on getting people into employment and supporting community-led programmes with a proven track record.

The national unemployment rate continues to climb, reaching 4.6% in the June quarter, with young people aged 16 to 24-years the hardest hit.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.