Government, Council, Community and Youth Working Together

The Hastings District Council today launched its Growing Communities programme providing work opportunities for over 50 local unemployed youths.

The scheme, which is funded by the government’s Community Max initiative, offers youths six months’ work on a range of community projects helping them gain work experience and new skills.

Community Max was launched in August and subsidises wages and training costs for unemployed 16 to 24 year-olds with the aim of providing a stepping stone into.unsubsidised employment.

The Council’s Growing Communities is believed to be one of the first such programmes, where a council will employ recruits and supervisors on behalf of community groups under the Community Max umbrella.

Mayor Yule says without Growing Communities,,many of these groups would not have the resources to employ staff and since announcing the scheme, council has been flooded with community groups that need help on their projects.

Mayor Yule, who opened today’s welcome ceremony, says this programme is a community-driven scheme which will tackle a number of social issues.

“Many of the groups have sought out the recruits from within their own communities. This programme will not only give the young people involved new skills but it will also give them a positive connection with their own communities,” Mayor Yule says.

“Growing Communities encourages community groups to see the opportunities in their own backyard to allow youth to positively contribute to their communities - developing valuable citizens.”

Annie Aranui, Regional Commissioner for Social Development, says Council is the perfect vehicle for a scheme like this because it can tap into its own existing networks in the community.

“Community Max offers great opportunities for the future of young people and their families,” Ms Aranui says.

The recruits will start work on community projects and the recruits are approved by Work and Income. Council has also invited local training organisations to participate in today’s induction, to ensure recruits gain formal qualifications during the programme.

For more information:
Erin Harford
Communications Manager
(06) 871 5056, 027 275 5205