Mahi for Youth smashing its targets - more than 100 employed in six months

The Serving up Success team from left: Tarria Wright, Starr Paul, Asley Meldrum, Leahmara Puketapu, Ava Manolgros and Mahi for Youth wellbeing connector Mary Nicholas. Photo / Supplied

The Mahi for Youth programme in Hastings is celebrating impressive results as it continues to help young people overcome barriers to employment, education and training.

Since launching in May 2019, Mahi for Youth has had more than 1150 young people through its doors, providing a pathway for those aged 16-24 who need extra help to find their footing in the workforce or further study.

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 – with 110 to date placed in employment, training or education.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the programme’s success showed the value of investing in young people.

“When our rangatahi have the right support, they thrive and so does our whole community. Mahi for Youth not only changes individual lives, it strengthens our local economy and builds civic pride.”

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 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.”

This year, the team launched Serving Up Success, a new initiative developed in response to local business needs, keeping youth engaged in the service while job searching.

The hands-on programme gives rangatahi practical customer service and hospitality experience, including training in customer service, food health and safety, food control plans and being a great employee.

“It’s so difficult for young people with no experience or qualifications to get a foot in the door,” said Emma.

“This programme gives them real tools and confidence to take that first step.”

The support doesn’t stop there, with follow-up contact maintained up to six months after they are employed, or in training to support them with any challenges or barriers that may arise.

The team’s 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.

Beyond direct employment services, Mahi for Youth also connects with the Hastings Youth Council and the Tuia mentoring programme, mentors students in the Young Enterprise Scheme, and supports local youth development initiatives such as the youth sector industry training and upskilling project.