February 04, 2019
Big boost for regional job creation
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the creation of a new skills and employment initiative for regional New Zealand funded out of the Provincial Growth Fund.
Te Ara Mahi (Pathways to Work) will make available up to $82.4 million, $60 million for projects in the PGF surge regions of Taitokerau, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatū-Whanganui, $20 million for non-surge areas and $2.4 million for administration.
Ms Ardern says the aim is to support people to learn the skills needed for local jobs while also helping employers meet their growing labour force needs.
It will include a Māori stream, He Poutama Rangatahi, that will receive $13.2 million, and $8.8 million to expand the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ successful Pacific Employment Support Service.
Both programmes target rangatahi who are Not in Employment, Education or Training.
Ms Ardern says the investment will also support the development of employment hubs to bring government agencies together to respond to specific needs of local employers and potential local workers.
Regional Economic Development Shane Jones joined the Prime Minister and Employment Minister Willie Jackson at Mangatoa Station near Kaikohe to make the announcement.
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