Success of Mayors Taskforce for Jobs highlights the power of local leaders

Councils’ local knowledge and connections have unlocked more than 1,000 opportunities for young jobseekers in the past year through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ).

MTFJ is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on a shared vision of all young people aged 16-24 engaged in employment, education, training, or other positive activity in their communities. 

The MTFJ programme is facilitated by Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development. The programme has secured government funding to continue.

In the year ending 30 June, the programme helped 1,084 people into employment or training, well exceeding its original target of 900.

Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Social Development and Employment, said the results demonstrate the value of community-led efforts to support young people into work.

“Our government is focused on reducing benefit dependency and getting more people into work. We know that the younger someone comes onto a benefit, the more likely they are to be dependent on it long-term.

“Supporting programmes like Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is important because it connects young job seekers with local opportunities. I want to acknowledge the mayors, councils and MTFJ co-ordinators who have been so successful in removing some of the barriers for young people and helping them get work in their own communities.”

MTFJ Chair and Mayor of Gore Ben Bell praised the uniqueness of the programme.

“MTFJ is a unique programme because it is local Mayors standing side by side with the workforce of tomorrow.

“Many young people today have no one to help them once they leave school, and so it is pretty special that mayors across the country take on that responsibility in their communities.

“MTFJ mayors, councils and coordinators, know their communities best, and they know that a young person not engaged in education, employment or training from a young age is far more likely to become dependent on welfare in the long term.

“If we can interrupt that cycle with a job opportunity, then the young person and New Zealand will be better off.

“As local leaders, Mayors have relationships with local business that may be willing and able to give a young person a shot, which will kick start their career. Two thirds of jobs aren’t advertised, so if coordinators and mayors can open doors for young people and make it easier for them then we should be doing that then it’s our civil duty to do that.”

Bell said that MTFJ offered practical help, such as providing suitable clothing and practice for interviews, access to mental health services and navigating the unique complexities of getting entry level jobs in remote areas.

"With high unemployment rates across the country, the partnership between local and central Government to continue the MTFJ programme is essential to support young people in rural and provincial New Zealand.” 

Amanda Nicolle, Director Industry Partnerships at the Ministry of Social Development said the outcomes achieved by the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs has highlighted the important role local relationships and community knowledge played in connecting young people with jobs.

“We look forward to continuing to work with mayors, councils, delivery partners and employers to help young people build skills, gain experience, and access job opportunities within councils and council networks,” says Nicolle.

“Through our partnership with Local Government New Zealand and MTFJ, we’re pleased to support a local approach that responds to the different needs of communities.”