Kawerau Leading the Way

Te Ururoa Flavell, Member of Parliament for Waiariki

Wednesday 19 December 2007

Local Member of Parliament for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell, has today praised the local Mayor for Kawerau, Malcolm Campbell, and the greater Kawerau community, for the initiatives given a public airing on last night's Campbell Live.

"The leadership that Malcolm has demonstrated, in working with his community, is an excellent model that other mayors and councils might consider" said Te Ururoa Flavell, Local Government spokesperson for the Maori Party.

"It would appear that Mr Campbell has actively sought to engage members of his community, many of whom have been in long term unemployment and may be current members or affiliates of the Mongrel Mob" said Flavell.

"It is great to see local government working alongside a local initiative such as Te Hokinga Mai ki Kawerau, for the best interests of their community" said Flavell.

Te Hokinga Mai ki Kawerau employs over seventy people, many of them who were previously long term unemployed. They have held down successful contracts with Mighty River Power, with landscaping businesses, and with other local agencies.

"This was an area where unemployment was rife, and opportunity low" said Te Ururoa Flavell. "These initiatives are now contributing to the ongoing economic development of the town and lifting employment prospects".

ENDS

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