Mayors’ jobs programme extended to 2026
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.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Older residents call for Amberley bus service
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of public transport and access to healthcare were among the issues raised in recent a survey of older residents in the Hurunui district.
The Hurunui District Council surveyed residents aged over 60 during August and September, as it looks to develop an age-friendly community plan to support an ageing population.
There are currently no public bus services in Hurunui, which includes the town of Amberley, about 40km north of Christchurch.
Community development facilitator Vanessa Nelmes said public transport is a big issue for many elderly people, while accessing medical care when needed remains a concern.
While there are a number of community vehicle trusts operating in the district, respondents felt a regular bus service from Amberley to Rangiora and/or Christchurch is needed.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black has been among those advocating for a bus service, but for now Environment Canterbury says there are no plans to offer public transport in the district.
The distance to medical care in Christchurch and the lack of a dentist were also mentioned, Nelmes said.
The survey received 213 responses from residents aged from 60 to their 90s, with half coming from residents in the south ward, which includes Amberley.
Nelmes said the survey found a majority of the respondents felt confident using computers, internet and / or smart phones.
‘‘It kind of puts that myth to bed that old people don’t like using technology.
‘‘I think we really do need to change our mindset compared to what is really happening in our community.’’
Although about 50 respondents said they were not confident using technology, showing there was still a need for providing support.
The survey also asked if people would like to improve their skills with technology and it was ‘‘evenly split’’, Nelmes said.
A concerning trend in the survey was a number of respondents who said they felt socially isolated, especially those new to the community, she said.
‘‘We had half a dozen people who replied along the lines, ‘you have to put yourself out there, but it’s how to make the first step’.’’
The survey has been analysed by the age-friendly steering group, which plans to widen its membership to include different agencies such as district nursing and is seeking a rural voice, Nelmes said.
Council staff plan to do a stocktake of services available for senior citizens in the district, before beginning work on a draft age-friendly plan.
Environment Canterbury public transport strategy and planning manager Sonia Pollard said there are no plans to extend bus services into Amberley or the wider Hurunui district.
‘‘The focus for public transport improvements is on delivery of the core routes in Christchurch and the direct services between the main urban areas in Waimakariri and Selwyn districts and Christchurch City.
‘‘Service improvements are reliant on funding through local rates and the National Land Transport Programme.’’
She said routes outside large urban areas are unlikely to meet the funding criteria in the 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme.
But as part of the 2025/26 annual plan staff are considering how to best serve the rural community, including assessing new routes outside the Greater Christchurch boundary.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Loading…
