Napier City Council chief executive and REDS governance group co-chair Wayne Jack said he is excited about the prospect and about what the additional investment will mean for youth in the region.
"It will amplify existing initiatives and create new programmes to find jobs for young people," he said.
"Project 1000 is a great example of a strategy already underway to encourage growth in employment in the horticulture and viticulture industries.
The additional funding will allow us to take initiatives like this to another level."
Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust general manager and REDS governance group co-chair, Shayne Walker, said part of the strategy going forward will be to have some open conversations with employers and to work alongside them to create an appearing proposition to motivate young people into work.
"The best way we can make a difference is by providing support, training and education to young people and then in turn provide them with direct access to employment where it is available."
Matariki is a joint economic development strategy from iwi, all five Hawke's Bay councils and the private sector delivered via a project group - the goal of which is for the region to be a leading exporter of premium primary produce and a hub for business growth.
Matariki Programme Manager, Dr Alister King, said Matariki has helped to strengthen stakeholder relationships to gain a much better understanding of the needs of employers and young people.
"The knowledge and relationships we've already developed are going to stand us in incredible stead as we look at developing an action plan for making the best possible use of the additional funding."
Dr King said he does not have all the details ironed out in terms of what the plan will look like but one thing Hawke's bay residents can be certain of is that the additional investment will go a long way to helping young people find work.
For more information visit www.hbreds.nz.
