Govt support for rangatahi

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri says the Government is backing regional New Zealand by continuing to create opportunities for rangatahi to get into employment, education or training.

She was speaking after the Government announced the next tranch of He Poutama Rangatahi programmes, to help support youth with driver licence and work experience, digital skills and support with documentations for employment.

Over 160 rangatahi and their whanau are expected to benefit from participating in these programmes, including a boost to an existing programme here in Te Tairawhiti – Te Ara Poutama, said the customs minister.

“Te Ara Poutama here in Gisborne already has a fantastic track record.

“On average, over 80 percent of graduates from the first tranche of programmes have gone on to enrol in further education or training or got jobs.

“Providing additional funding for programmes like these with proven track records means more positive outcomes for participating rangatahi.

“It is important to be supporting communities and our youth into employment and training that will upskill and empower them. We are future-proofing our regions.”

He Poutama Rangatahi has supported 2453 into employment, education or training so far.

Ms Whaitiri said 81 percent identified as Maori and 41 percent are wahine.