Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

The Wellbeing Budget 2019 takes a fresh approach to measuring economic success, as the Government seeks to improve the living standards of New Zealanders, enabling us all to live lives of purpose and value.

Being able to find a job, earn a living, and support family are key to the wellbeing and personal fulfilment of most New Zealanders but also the greatest challenge to many, especially young people.

Included in the Budget announcements was a $49.9 million boost for the Mana in Mahi – Strength in Work programme, extending the places available for participants from 150 up to 2000, with the ultimate goal of 4000 places.

Under the scheme, employers receive a wage subsidy equivalent to the annual Jobseeker Support rate and support for work-readiness or pre-employment costs, if needed. Participants receive in-work support and incentives to encourage them to stay in work and enter industry training.

Partnering these young people with employers in key growth industries provides long-term and dignified employment opportunities, and helps to build an economy that everyone can participate in.

The extension of Mana in Mahi follows on from last year's doubling of the number of places available in the Limited Service Volunteer Programme, from 800 to 1600. The LSV programme is a six-week motivational course delivered by the New Zealand Defence Force which aims to improve the discipline, confidence and work-readiness of unemployed young people aged 18 to 25.

The Government has also committed to critical reform of vocational training in order to increase the number of young people in training and the number of apprentices learning on the job. The reforms will involve working with iwi, regional leaders, industry groups, and businesses to achieve the sustainable outcomes we are seeking.

New Zealand First is serious about equipping our young people with the skills they need to make the transition into the adult working world, and to getting those who had given up on the prospect the incentive try again. We want to equip them with employment and life skills to enable them to live purposeful and productive lives.