Listen Now: 
August 13, 2015
Champions to boost Maori and Pasifika trade training.
Waatea Team
Posted On August 13, 2015
A new initiative to get more Maori and Pacific youngsters into the trades has received a major boost with the appointment of two high-profile 'champions' to Auckland's Maori and Pasifika trades training organisation.
Former Minister of Maori Affairs Sir Pita Sharples and former Human Rights Commission Race Relations Advisor Sam Sefuiva have taken on the role within the organisation set up earlier this year to help meet the expected employment boom in the building and construction industry.
Sam Sefuiva says the programme builds on the successful trade training schemes of the past when young people came from the Pacific and rural New Zealand and got trades which stood them well into the future.
He says employers in the industry now needs to get involved.
"They need to step up and be good employers creating the environment for rangatahi to get into the trades and become effective contributors to our economy in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Sam Sefuiva says both himself and Sir Pita will be going and talking to businesses and the community to get them involved.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
