Hello Friend, 

This week, New Zealand First’s Hon Shane Jones made a raft of Provincial Growth Fund announcements to ensure young Kiwis are work-ready and that regional New Zealand can provide job opportunities to all those who want to get ahead.

The Provincial Growth Fund has set aside $82.4 million in funding for regional employment, skills and capability to give young Kiwis a chance.

$3.88 million was invested this week in the He Poutama Rangatahi (HPR) programme in Northland, which aims to support young people, aged 15-24, who are not currently in employment, education or training to overcome barriers to get them into work. This project has a digital focus, ensuring youth have the skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce.

$3 million of Te Ara Mahi funding was also announced for Kaikohe, allocated to initiatives aiming to get NEET youths into the horticulture and viticulture sectors by providing on-the-job industry training.

The Government’s on-the-job training scheme, Mana in Mahi, which was a result of our coalition negotiations with Labour, has also been given a $49.9 million boost to extend the places available from 150 up to 2000. The programme sees employers receive a wage subsidy to employ young people who have been on a benefit for at least the past 3 months. The programme is a part of our strategy to prevent long-term unemployment and poor social outcomes through affording opportunities for training and employment to young people who otherwise may not have had access to those opportunities.

We’re proud to see the programme continue to expand. Mana in Mahi has been a win-win for employers and young, and is an important investment in the future of our country.

The ongoing success of these programmes is evidenced by the unemployment rate in Northland having decreased from 7.1 percent to 5.1 percent in the last few months, which is a great result that all of our supporters can be proud of.

New Zealand First is the party of employment. We consider employment the best vehicle through which wellbeing can be achieved for our young people, and will continue to champion it in government.

“We’re happy that our policies are working, and with your support we can get more done. Donate now to help us put New Zealand First.”