Job Funding Cuts Hit Isolated Communities

Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:07 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Isolated North Canterbury communities look set to be the big losers in the Government’s bid to get young people off the benefit.

The Kaikōura and Hurunui Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programmes are likely to face cuts due to a change in funding criteria.

While the new contract has yet to be signed, the Kaikōura MTFJ programme has been advised its funding will be cut from $260,000 for 30 placements to $100,000 for 12 placements from July 1.

‘‘They have seen it work, but they kept twisting the scrum. Once they brought the larger areas in it was inevitable this would happen,’’ Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said.

‘‘The whole idea of the programme was to help the rural areas.

‘‘I haven’t given up hope, but I’ve definitely lost the excitement.’’

He said the success of the programme is stopping young people from going on a benefit.

The programme has supported young people with driver licensing, career advice and guidance, interview skills, preparing CVs, work experience and transport, and access to mental health services.

With no driver testing available in Kaikōura, the MTFJ programme has spent $22,000 this year supporting young people travel to tests in Blenheim and Rangiora - a three to four hour return trip.

The programme is on track to exceed 30 sustainable placements.

In contrast to its northern neighbours, the Waimakariri MTFJ programme is set to receive a funding boost.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is basing its funding for the next 12 months, from July 1, on the number of 18 to 24 year olds on a jobseekers’ benefit.

Previously the programme has focused on supporting school leavers transition into work.

The change is in line with the Government’s push to get young people off the benefit.

The funding cuts come at a time of high youth unemployment, with the latest Stats NZ data showing around 23 percent of 16 to 24 year olds are not in employment, education or training, compared to the overall 5.1% unemployment rate.

MSD industry partnerships director Amanda Nicolle said MTFJ is one of a number of MSD funded programmes aimed at getting youth into employment, education or training in smaller regions.

‘‘We provide a range of assistance aimed at getting young people into work because we understand that having sustainable employment can improve people’s lives and give them independence.’’

The Hurunui District Council was one of the councils which founded the MTFJ programme in 2000.

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the programme’s original intent was to support rural communities, where young people have less access to services and training and education opportunities.

‘‘Hurunui MTFJ will continue to support our young people through this programme despite the reduction of contractual capacity for the incoming year.

‘‘The programme is effective in supporting young people, with tailored and inspired support to bridge the gap and avoid a reliance on benefit support.’’

The Hurunui MTFJ programme has already exceeded its target of 20 placements, placing 53 young people in jobs.

There is no MSD office in the Hurunui district, while the MTFJ programme has worked to bring driver testing into the district to help overcome the isolation.

Local Democracy Reporting understands Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon plans to discuss the matter with his colleagues at the Canterbury Mayoral Forum on Friday.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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