MEDIA RELEASE

23 May 2012

Improving prospects for Waikato-Tainui youth

Chief Executive Officer of Waikato Tainui, Parekawhia McLean, and Careers New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr Graeme Benny, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) cementing a strong relationship between the Iwi and government agency at Waikato-Tainui’s headquarters in Hopuhopu today.

The MOU formalises work that has been taking place for some time between the Iwi and Careers New Zealand.

Dr Benny says ‘it is not so much the signing of the MOU that is important, but the improvements in career development for young Waikato-Tainui people that will result from it’.

He says one of the government’s priorities is to raise the engagement and achievement levels of Maori youth. ‘Careers New Zealand is committed to making a positive difference by creating networks and partnerships with organisations, like Waikato-Tainui, to build their ability to positively influence the career decisions of their young people’ says Dr Benny.

The Iwi manages and distributes income for the collective benefit of approximately 61,000 registered tribal members, of whom 23.3% are aged between 15 and 24.

This new partnership reflects Waikato-Tainui’s ‘desire to partner with whoever can help us to help our rangatahi realise their full potential and Careers New Zealand has the skills and resources to support our rangatahi access meaningful and relevant career information’, says Parekawhia McLean.

Ms McLean says ‘the MOU represents another step in our mission to ‘build our own house’, as expressed in Whakatupuranga 2050, the tribe’s blueprint for cultural, social and economic advancement.’

‘Our rangatahi and their contribution to the future of this tribe are vital if we are to achieve our vision. We’ve found that while some rangatahi have the skills and training required for jobs, they need help developing CVs and preparing for interviews. Other rangatahi aren’t sure about how to develop a career plan, and still others are struggling to identify what sort of jobs they want. Parents also want to know how they could help their children identify and plan future career pathways,’ says Ms McLean.

Dr Benny says ‘the new partnership is an excellent opportunity for Careers New Zealand to support Waikato-Tainui young people in becoming competent career decision makers and planners for the rest of their lives, bringing benefits to the tribe and to the country as a whole’.

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