Hon Shane Jones
Minister for Regional Economic Development
Hon Willie Jackson
Minister of Employment
16 August 2019 MEDIA STATEMENT
The Kaikohe community is set to benefit from the establishment of a wide-ranging skills and employment programme,
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.
The Provincial Growth Fund will invest $3 million over three years in the Accelerating our Capability programme, which
supports Kaikohe locals who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
“Kaikohe is a town which faces significant economic and social challenges, including a high rate of people who are not
earning or learning. Initiatives like this one are the circuit breaker that families need to get out of the
intergenerational cycle of poverty, and into long-term employment,” Shane Jones said.
“The unemployment rate in Northland has decreased from 7.1 percent to 5.1 percent in the last few months which is a
great result. The Coalition Government is committed to continuing on this good path by supporting projects like the
Accelerating our Capability programme to get even more people into training or work.
“The programme will consist of three initiatives in the areas of industry-based training, horticulture and viticulture.
The industry-based training initiative will involve setting up a training centre to provide skills training to people
based on the needs of industry and employers in the Kaikohe area.
“The horticulture initiative is an extension of the successful Mangatoa Station Forestry and Ecological Restoration
project which was funded by our He Poutama Rangatahi programme previously. The additional funding will extend this youth
programme so that it serves people of all ages.”
“The viticulture initiative will consist of a training programme based on a vineyard which will help prepare Kaikohe
locals for skilled jobs in the industry.
The programme will continue for ten years, well beyond the three years of PGF funding as a result of co-contributions
from other funders.
“We’re proud that the PGF has acted as a catalyst for this programme so that it can continue well into the future, for
the benefit of the Kaikohe community,” Shane Jones said.
Employment Minister Willie Jackson said that the project is a welcome addition to the region.
“Up to 145 people and their families are likely to benefit from the project over the three year period of PGF support,
which will improve employment outcomes across Kaikohe”
“This investment reflects our commitment to lift up the people in some of our most disadvantaged communities and get
them onto a path to sustained employment. It builds on previous funding, and this new project is one which we’re proud
to support,” Willie Jackson said.
The funding comes from the PGF Te Ara Mahi allocation dedicated to supporting projects that improve skills, employment
and capability in the region.
ends