Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister
Willie Jackson
Minister of Employment
13 August 2019
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Mana in Mahi to help 2000 young New Zealanders into work and training
Many more young New Zealanders will be helped into work and training with the expansion of the successful Mana in Mahi
programme, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Employment Minister Willie Jackson said today.
A year on from its launch, the Prime Minister and Minister Jackson were in Edgecumbe, visiting one of the 161 employers
taking young people through the programme, to mark the expansion of Mana in Mahi, that was announced in the Wellbeing
Budget.
“Mana in Mahi helps young New Zealanders get valuable sought-after skills and qualifications to kick start their
career,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
“Getting that first job and some relevant recognised qualifications is the first step in getting on the pathway to
lifelong work. That will not only help the people taking part but will boost the businesses they are working with and
help lift the economy overall.
“This is just one example of how this Government is tackling the long-term challenges facing New Zealand in order to
ensure we have a productive, sustainable and inclusive economy that delivers for all New Zealanders,” Jacinda Ardern
says.
A $49.9 million boost extends the places available from 150 up to 2,000, well on the way to the goal of 4,000 places.
The criteria for placement in Mana in Mahi has also been extended to now include young people not in employment or
education (NEETs).
The programme, which is designed to provide employment and an industry training qualification pathway to young people on
a benefit, sees employers receive a wage subsidy (at the annual Jobseeker Support rate) and support for work-readiness
or pre-employment costs.
“With Mana in Mahi young people get the chance to achieve a formal industry training qualification, such as an
apprenticeship, and get paid while they train to do a job they love,” Willie Jackson says.
“Employers told us taking on a trainee is a big commitment, especially for smaller businesses. Mana and Mahi helps
employers with the costs of pre-employment and on-the-job training costs.
“This Government wants all New Zealander’s to thrive. Mana in Mahi means more employers can train and develop the next
generation of skilled workers while growing their business at the same time,” Willie Jackson said.
ends