Business. Scoop » Funding Secured For Youth Jobs Programme In North Canterbury
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy ReporterNorth Canterbury’s mayors are relieved funding has been secured for another year for the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme, amid a challenging economic. . .
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy ReporterNorth Canterbury’s mayors are relieved funding has been secured for another year for the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme, amid a challenging economic environment. July 01, 2026North Canterbury mayors are relieved funding for a youth employment scheme has been secured for another year. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme has been getting positive results for local youth, amid a challenging economic environment. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has confirmed funding for the programme for another 12 months, following last month’s Budget. Mr Gordon said the Waimakariri programme has supported 29 young people into full time work and a further nine residents into employment, training or further education. ‘‘The programme has been particularly valuable because, while our district continues to grow and offers strong employment opportunities, some of our young people still face barriers entering the workforce. ‘‘These can include access to driver licensing, transport, training, work gear, or simply having the right support network around them. ‘‘MTFJ helps fill that gap, enabling solutions that are tailored to the needs of Waimakariri residents and businesses. ’’Mr Gordon said finding meaningful employment is more than just a pay cheque, as it supports wellbeing and helps people become more independent and build confidence. ‘‘The benefits are felt not only by the individual participants, but across the wider community and local economy. ’’Mrs Black said the funding allowed the council to support young people into employment and work alongside ‘‘fantastic local employers’’. ‘‘In the face of ongoing challenges for our communities, we welcome recent funding announcements that enable impactful initiatives to continue their vital work. ’’An MSD spokesperson said $8m has been approved for the programme for the 2026/27 financial year, a similar level of funding to last year. While it had yet to be announced how the funding would be allocated, the spokesperson said the criteria remained unchanged. Last year the focus changed from supporting school leavers, to supporting young people to get off a benefit and into employment. The change meant the Hurunui and Kaikōura programmes received funding cuts, while Waimakariri programme received a boost. The Hurunui programme has punched above its weight, placing 29 young people into employment, despite only being funded for 18. After placing up to 50 young people a year into jobs in recent years, the Kaikōura programme was only funded for 12 placements for the year to June 30. The programme placed five MSD clients into full time work and one into part time work, and a further 12 school leavers into employment. – LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Content Sourced fromscoop. co. nzOriginal url