First Mayors Taskforce for Jobs awards celebrate young people

An orchard job that kept on growing, a dedicated community champion and a young security worker proud of his role were among the stories celebrated at the first Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Awards.

The awards recognised young people finding their feet in work, alongside the employers, councils and local teams helping them succeed.

MTFJ, supported by the Ministry of Social Development, is a nationwide network of Mayors helping young people into employment, education and training. Its local teams work with employers and community partners to help young people find work and get the support they need to stay in it.

MTFJ Chair Mayor Ben Bell says the winners show what can happen when communities back their young people.

“Sometimes it starts with an employer opening a door, or someone taking the time to find out what a young person wants to do. These awards celebrate the people who make that happen, and the young people making the most of those opportunities.”

• Whanganui won Most Unexpected Placement after a short-term orchard contract for Dillan White, Coby Sperling, Issac Burns and Jesse Harrington led to four extensions.
• Central Hawke’s Bay’s Jono Craig was named MTFJ Local Champion for his grassroots approach and strong community connections. Employers’ accounts of his contribution stood out to the judges.
• Grey District’s Riko Ellison won MTFJ Rising Futures for his achievements in security work, impressing judges with his commitment and pride in the job.
• Ruapehu District Council won Top Performer Relative to Population, recording the strongest employment results compared with the size of its youth population.

Ben Bell says every winner has a different story but there’s a common thread: people who believe in their young people and stick with them.

“Congratulations to our first winners. You’ve given your communities plenty to be proud of.

"I would like to acknowledge and thank the judges, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and Rebecca Roberts from Simplicity Foundation, for judging our inaugural awards and picking this year's winners and highly commended recipients."