Ruapehu has won the Top Performer Award at the inaugural Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Awards for achieving the strongest results nationally against its original contracted employment target.
The Ruapehu team helped 75 young people into meaningful employment, exceeding its target of 45 placements by 67%.
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) brings together mayors across Aotearoa to champion locally led employment solutions, with a vision of all young people aged 16–25 engaged in employment, education or training.
Through its Community Employment Programme (CEP), a partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), MTFJ supports young people into work in rural and provincial communities.
Presenting the award, MTFJ National Manager at Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Tammie Metcalfe acknowledged Mayor Weston Kirton’s leadership, Council and MSD staff support, and the hard mahi of the Ruapehu MTFJ team.
“Through sheer grit, determination and a refusal to give up on Ruapehu’s young people, you have shown what can be achieved by small-town New Zealand when central and local government play to their strengths and support local solutions focused on the community,” she said.
Ms Metcalfe praised the Ruapehu MTFJ team for consistently going above and beyond, remaining available and finding ways to help the next young person who needed support.
“Thank you for your determination, your heart, and your belief in your young people,” she said.
MTFJ Coordinator James Towers highlighted the strong working relationship between MTFJ and MSD that was a major factor in the success of the Ruapehu programme.
“MSD staff’s exceptional support and shared commitment to positive outcomes for Ruapehu rangatahi have been vital to our success and helped us win the Top Performer Award,” he said.
Mayor Kirton said MTFJ was a critical lifeline for young people facing limited opportunities in a tough economy.
“In these hard economic times, our youth are often the first to feel the impact, whether through limited job opportunities or disruptions to their education,” he said.
“MTFJ offers them a pathway forward through education, employment, training or other experiences.
The programme has gone from strength to strength in Ruapehu, and this award recognises the outstanding work of our local team.
“On behalf of Council and the community, I sincerely thank the Government for its financial support, MSD staff for their commitment, and the Ruapehu MTFJ team for their mahi in helping our rangatahi build a future in the district,” he said.
*END*
