At a time when Hawke’s Bay (with Gisborne) posts the second highest unemployment rate in NZ, it’s great to hear of a local job support programme that works.

Making the news even better, the programme – Mahi for Youth – focuses on young people aged 16 to 24, the group with the highest unemployment level.

Funded through the Ministry of Social Development’s He Poutama Rangatahi programme, Mahi for Youth is delivered by Hastings District Council. 

For the 2024/25 year the Government target was to have 100 enrolments and 70 placed in employment, training or education. This was achieved at the end of February, 2025, four months earlier than contracted, and the 2025/26 targets of 150 enrolled and 105 in employment, training or education were exceeded – 110 to date placed in employment, training or education.

Based in the city centre, the five-person Mahi for Youth team provides wrap-around support that goes well beyond job matching. Each young person is paired with a dedicated connector who works alongside them to identify goals, develop confidence, and overcome barriers – whether that’s gaining a driver’s licence, writing a CV, preparing for interviews, or finding work experience.

“What makes Mahi for Youth special is that it’s completely individualised,” said Council’s youth lead Emma James. “We tailor our support to each person’s needs while providing holistic guidance to get them on the path to secure, long-term employment or education. The help doesn’t stop once they get a job; we continue to check in and support them and their employers to ensure the placement remains successful for everyone.”

The team’s multi-disciplinary skills are key to their success, particularly in supporting 16- and 17-year-olds who may have disengaged from school or face additional challenges such as social anxiety, low self-confidence, or neurodiversity. Many participants come to the programme through referrals from other agencies, or by word of mouth after hearing how transformative the support can be.

Well done, Mahi for Youth!