Local Government Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta and Employment Minister Hon Willie Jackson recently held their first korero of 2018 with Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Chair (MTFJ) Max Baxter.
Together they discussed some of the biggest issues facing New Zealand’s rangatahi:
- A driver licensing system that is expensive and hard to access;
- The skills and attitude gap that can exist between youth and employers;
- The ongoing need for local leadership and mentoring opportunities, and
- The struggle to get trades and services career pathway information to our youth.
Also discussed was the need for Mayors to have a consistent set of data on our regional unemployment and NEET (not in education, employment or training) numbers.
Both parties welcomed the chance to share their vision for New Zealand’s rangatahi, and covered the work underway – including Labours $13 million targeted regional youth employment scheme.
The Ministers noted New Zealand’s youth are a Labour priority, and spoke to their desire to work collaboratively and ambitiously with MTFJ and local government.
A memorandum of understanding between relevant ministers and MTFJ to set out the direction of this relationship was discussed and welcomed. The terms of this will be discussed and agreed in due course.
MTFJ are excited to begin the year on such a positive note, and look forward to sharing future developments with the sector.