Waitomo District Council (WDC) is now working through the contractual details after being successful in its funding application to The Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ).

The contract, if agreed would see a programme rolled out over the next 12 months to take part in a programme to help match up job seekers with employers, supporting up to 50 locals to enter into either long-term employment or training.

At today’s council meeting it was agreed the mayor and chief executive would negotiate the contract on behalf of the Council.

Mayor John Robertson says, “The opportunities this funding would provide our community are huge. It’s now a matter of getting the contract over the line.  But we need to be clear what we are signing up for”. 

It’s proposed WDC would initially receive $250k with an opportunity for a further $250k once fifty percent of the target is met. If targets are not met WDC may need to pay back some of the funding.

“For our programme to be a success we would need to invest in training and resources from the beginning.  The proposed contract as it stands could transfer the risk to the ratepayer which is something, I am not happy about,” say Mayor Robertson,

WDC’s application outlined a programme focusing on young people, not in education, employment or training as well as those displaced from employment as a result of Covid-19. It’s planned that initially WDC would allocate funding to engage two coordinators who will focus on working with both groups as well as setting up and establishing a district wide employer and employee network.

WDC will now liaise with the funding partners to discuss revised terms and conditions of the agreement.

The MTFJ is an advocacy group charged with creating employment opportunities for young people and in doing so impacting their lives in a positive way.  WDC currently works alongside them to celebrate local apprentices with the Mayoral Graduations, and young Maori leadership with the Tuia Kaupapa.