Mayors Taskforce For Jobs

“The MTFJ workforce programme has enabled many successful connections between local employers and those seeking work. It’s a win-win situation; young people who are not in education, employment or training, can register with the programme. So too can businesses who are in need of staff and who are ready to employ local youth.” - Mayor Tracey Collis

The Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people under 25 being engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities.

MTFJ has developed the Industry Partnerships - MTFJ community Employment Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). As part of the programme, MTFJ will provide the Tararua District Council with funding to enable them to support rangatahi into sustainable employment. (30 hrs per week).

The Mayors Taskforce is able to provide flexible funding that ensures our approach is individualised for each employer and young person, helping break down the barriers often faced when entering the workforce.

Since starting in mid- 2020, the programme has registered 202 rangatahi and 99 local businesses, creating a network of support that has been crucial to its success.

For the 2023-2024 financial year, 41 young people were placed into employment (according to MSD criteria), with 37 of them securing sustained employment for over 90 days. Beyond the official targets, the programme facilitated 19 other employment placements and supported 25 apprentices across various industries, including construction, automotive and professional services.

Funding and Financial Outlook for 2024/25

The MTFJ programme has secured funding from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for the 2024-2025 financial year. The First Tranche Funding has been confirmed with the Second Tranche Funding contingent on achieving at least 9 sustainable employment outcomes by December 2024.
This funding will ensure the continued support and expansion of the programme’s activities in the coming year.

Key initiatives for 2024/25

The MTFJ programme has several key initiatives planned for 2024/25 financial year:

Driver Licensing: In collaboration with the Tararua Community Youth Services (TCYS), the programme aims to support 40 young people in upgrading their driving licenses, enhancing their mobility and employability.

Outward   Bound Scholarships: Following the success of previous participants, eight scholarships have been reserved for Tararua rangatahi to attend Outward Bound experiences. These scholarships, valued at up to $4,546 per person, offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Tararua Industry Training Graduation: We are looking at the possibility of celebrating the achievements of local trades graduates by hosting a local graduation celebration - this ceremony would bring together trainees, apprentices, their families, and employers to recognise their hard work and accomplishments. More details to come…

Inspiring the Future Tararua: This initiative will connect local young people with role models from the community, helping them explore various career paths and understand the challenges and successes of different professions. We are about to start looking for local role models to present at this event. More details to come…


Are you looking to employ a new team member and would like some financial assistance?

Examples of how we can help:

  • Recruitment cost
  • Industry training
  • Safety equipment
  • Tools of Trade
  • Transport
  • Pastoral Care
  • Personal Protective Equipment

To apply you need to be employing or taking on an apprentice 24 years and under not in education, employment or training for 30 hours plus a week.

For more information please contact:

Jaron Vince
Phone: 027 378 0543
Email:  MTFJ@Tararuadc.govt.nz

If you are between 16-24 years old and are interested in finding work, contact the Mayors Taskforce coordinator below to see how we can help you:

Jaron Vince
Phone:  027 378 0543
Email: MTFJ@Tararuadc.govt.nz


Mayors Taskforce application form for businesses

If you would like to access funding for staff you have recruited or are looking for staff that fit the criteria for Mayors Taskforce support please download our application form here.




From out of district?

What are you waiting for! Get yourself over to Tararua and see for yourself why we love where we live. Our district is a great place to find that perfect work-life harmony, with stunning scenery and vibrant thriving communities. It is unique, unspoilt with the great outdoors right on our doorstep and has that easy-going rural pace.

Our thriving local economy has proven to hold its own against the effects of the pandemic, our population is on the rise, and with the largest roading project in the country we will be within easy reach of Wellington before long. Here in Tararua, we are gearing up for growth and want you to be a part of it.

You won’t find these opportunities just anywhere, and when you combine this with the chance to be in such a beautiful place, you have to ask yourself: why work and live anywhere else?