Mayors Taskforce for Jobs
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of young people aged 16-24 engaged in employment, training, education or other positive activity in their communities. MTFJ is administered by Local Government New Zealand.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) in the Far North has received around $350,000 in funding to help young people find full-time work.
MTFJ is partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to lead the Rural Community Resilience Programme. It helps young people into work 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.
This partnership is changing the face of local government, with councils, led by their mayors, in a prime position to help young people find local employment thanks to their local knowledge and expertise to tackle challenges in their communities. Each council has a localised programme unique to their area’s challenges and industries.
Those eligible for the MTFJ Rural Community Resilience Programme are young people aged 16-24 who:
- Are not in employment, education or training (Neet)
- Have a disability
- Are disadvantaged in the job market.
When those eligible start fulltime paid work (30+ hours a week), thanks to a council action or initiative under the programme, it is a sustainable employment outcome. Council also works closely with the Ministry of Social Development to utilise the partnership’s collective funding.
If you, or someone you know, want more information about the MTFJ Rural Community Resilience Programme, please call Far North District Council on 0800 920 029 or contact Programme Co-ordinator Janie.little@fndc.govt.nz.
Here are some of the organisations that we assisted this financial year.
- Kaikohe Berries Ltd
- Seeka
- Sybton Horticulture
- Te Kokiri Ata Ltd
- Trades and Fades
- Mahi Pai
- Ope Mahi Ltd
- Clearwood Productions 2019 Ltd
- Coopers Services Limited
Representative from Coopers Services Ltd
“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.”
Deckhand certificates
Late last year funding from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs NZ were able to partner with R. Tucker Thompson Trust, QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College and Skipper Training to put 14 rangatahi through their certifications.
