The project sees MSD funding the wages, while Council determines the scope of work and supplies tools and other facilities. The men and women work 30 hours a week for a duration of 12 weeks. In this financial year there will be three groups of five workers.
The application for the MSD support was made by Council and is implemented through the Tararua Alliance, Council’s partnership with Downer NZ. Tararua Alliance Delivery Manager Matt Erard says; “this work scheme is a win to the people participating, in growing their skills, knowledge and experience, as well as a win to the district’s communities.”

One of the many spots that has been cleaned up by the MSD workers is the popular Dannevirke Walkway along Smith St and Adelaide Rd. Tony Figgess of the Tararua Alliance works together with the men and women and says “This work scheme provides a great chance to support people looking for work, while at the same time getting jobs done that improve elements of the district.” The work has prompted lots of positive reactions from the community, “which is really motivating for our team’, says Tony. This time round, a group of students from UCOL, looking to gain work experience, also helped to clean up the walkway.

This is the fourth MSD project, with three crews having completed similar work over the last twelve months.
Mark Maxwell, Council’s Group Manager for Economic & Community Development says: “The vast majority of earlier crews have been supported into permanent work as a result of the project, which is one of the primary objectives. We are delighted that MSD are continuing this valuable programme."