Helping our rangatahi into the workforce

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs in the Far North has received around $350,000 in funding to help young people find full-time work.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is partnered with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to lead the Rural Community Resilience Programme that supports youth aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment, or training, are disadvantaged or living with disabilities.

With the MSD funding for the new financial year, the aim is to support 55 young people across the Far North into full-time jobs. The target comes after great success during the previous two years, with 72 young people securing employment and nine separate organisations receiving assistance from the MTFJ.  

Among the success stories is Kaikohe business Coopers Services Ltd. While searching for local workers as it expanded into the forestry and silviculture industry, the company turned to Far North District Council and was successfully guided through the MTFJ grant process. As a result, Coopers Services Ltd employed 15 local young people.

“Even though we knew it was going to be challenging, we had to give it a go, not only to build our whānau business but to bring employment to our rangatahi and people in our community and wider areas,” said a company representative. “We, the Cooper whānau and crew, would like to thank everyone who has played a part in helping us get on our feet towards our goals.”

Other Far North organisations benefiting from the MTFJ funding are Kaikohe Berries Ltd, Seeka, Sybton Horticulture, Te Kokira Ata Ltd, Trades and Fades, Mahi Pai, Ope Mahi Ltd, and Clearwood Productions 2019 Ltd.

The MTFJ-MSD partnership means councils, led by their mayors, are in a prime position to help young people find work thanks to their local knowledge and expertise needed to tackle challenges specific to their communities.

If you, or someone you know, want more information about the MTFJ Rural Community Resilience Programme, click here or call Far North District Council on 0800 920 029 or contact Programme Co-ordinator Janie.little@fndc.govt.nz.

Photo: The team at Coopers Services Ltd with their crew of young workers who were helped into employment through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.