Support for avo industry to employ local people

Eru Lyndon. Photo / File

A series of initiatives has been launched aimed at increasing employment and economic development in the Far North.

The Te Hiku Social Accord is a partnership between Ngai Takoto, Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa and 10 government agencies.

And the accord secretariat last week organised a meeting which got more than 20 avocado growers along to the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia to hear about trends and forecasts for their industry and plans by Work and Income to develop a training programme for avocado growing.

The secretariat is co-chaired by Rangitane Marsden, from Te Runanga o Ngai Takoto, and Northland's Regional Commissioner for Social Development, Eru Lyndon (pictured) , who provided information about how employment training, grants and subsidies could support the avocado industry employing local people.

Work and Income services for the avocado industry include help for employers with recruitment and pre-employment training and in-work support for new workers.

Mr Lyndon said Work and Income was considering developing a partnership with the avocado industry.

The meeting was about creating jobs for locals and supporting Far North employers, he said.

The accord also included working with the private sector to increase employment opportunities.