Sweet opportunities in honey industry for locals

Sweet opportunities in honey industry for locals

26 Apr 2016

Today marks the first day of work for 11 Work and Income clients, who will be developing Northland College's mānuka plantation site.

30 hectares of mānuka will be initially planted on Northland College land – an initiative that provides current and future employment opportunities for Kaikohe people.

The Northland College Mānuka Initiative stems from the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan which identifies 58 actions for stimulating the Northland economy.

Senior Regional Official, Ben Dalton is responsible for the government's delivery of the Action Plan and highlights the significance of the Northland College Manuka Initiative.

"The mānuka honey production industry as well as many other primary industries have been identified as a growing industry in Northland. That means there will be more jobs available, and skilled workers will be in demand," says Mr Dalton.

"The 11 people have been trained in foundation forestry skills and will be working for 16 weeks. Solid training combined with solid experience on the job means these workers will be ready when new jobs open up. We want local primary industries to be able to employ skilled locals."

"The initiative not only provides work opportunities immediately, it also provides Northland College students the opportunity to study Apiculture through Lincoln University, and gain practical experience on site, giving them an upper hand for future employment," Mr Dalton adds.

The Initiative is being implemented by Northland College and supported by Ministry for Primary Industries, Te Puni Kokiri and Ministry for Social Development.
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