I cannot let John Dyer's letter (November 9) go unchallenged. I
was involved with the work programmes of the 1970s and 80s.
I was working for the Dept of Labour who had the task of implementing and administering the various schemes.
Yes there were failures, and yes some of the work schemes were questionable.
However, there were many schemes aimed at young people that did have a positive outcome. These programmes were designed to give young people the basic skills to get into the job market and also give them life skills that were lacking. They are costly to run, they are not easy to run and the young people that are helped it would be fair to say have issues.
But with the right guidance they can be pointed in the right direction.
I realise that not every young person who would take part in such programmes would succeed but does that mean you don't try.
I am still amazed to read about people I knew of, in those '70s and '80s days, that had been on some of those programmes for young people and what they have become, mostly it's good.
The key for the administration of any scheme is to make sure it a stepping stone on the path towards employment.
DEREK PACKHAM
Lake Tarawera
Re Four star hotel Bennetts Rd.
In my view this area of land is an eyesore and a health hazard and has been for many years.
