Tamati Coffey Labour MP

‘Moemoea, Kimihia, Taea' is a beautiful mission statement for our region's young people.

By investing over $400,000 into the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust's ‘Imagine, Believe, Achieve' job training programme, this Government is delivering on our promise to whānau, to put better futures in reach of local rangatahi at risk of long-term unemployment.

I have seen the added difference pastoral support backed by Employment Minister Willie Jackson and his He Poutama Rangatahi fund is making throughout the Waiariki.

By adding ‘Imagine, Believe, Achieve' to this list, we are helping them use tikanga and te reo Māori to engage with employers, and take a whānau-centred approach to changing local lives.

It was fantastic to have Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Te Puke and Tauranga. Showing support for our kiwifruit industry and kiwifruit jobs for kiwis, by investing up to $200,000 into local programmes that will help meet urgent demand.

With 165 people set to benefit, this was the first investment from Budget 2020's $19.3 million for initiatives that connect recently unemployed New Zealanders with opportunities in our primary sector.

The kiwifruit industry represents 23,000 jobs. Already, indicative figures show, kiwifruit businesses have employed up to 90 per cent New Zealanders this season, compared to around 50 per cent in the past.

That's great news for whānau needing new jobs as a result of COVID-19. Now we need to build on that to retain workers to meet future needs. With this government making apprenticeships free for learners of all ages from July 1, together we will.