Brighter futures in the pipeline

DOORS HAVE OPENED: The first cohort of Project Haere graduates

Twelve young Far Northerners leave for Christchurch today, to pursue opportunities created by Project Haere (Pathway, formerly Project Pipeline). And they will soon be followed by many more.

Raymond Subritzky, chairman of project host Te Aupouri Maori Trust Board, said the plan was to prepare 40 more before Christmas, followed by another 40 soon after. The goal was to provide opportunities to 250 currently unemployed Far North residents by the end of next year.

Friday's graduates were formally farewelled having completed their two-month preparatory course at Kiwidotcom in Kaitaia. The only criteria for acceptance was that they be aged at least 18 and registered as unemployed, Mr Subritzky saying they would have 100 days in Christchurch to find work, or to reach a point where employment was in the offing.

They could enter any of a range of trades, and would be well supported.

"Some of them are leaving home for the first time, but they won't just be dumped there," he said.

"They will have hostel accommodation and will be mentored, monitored, and will attend night classes. This really is a huge opportunity for them, and a lot of people will be doing all they can to see that they have every chance to take advantage of that."

The trust board had been working with WINZ and other government agencies, and Allied Workforce, to prepare the first batch of graduates. And they were farewelled on Friday with every wish for success, but the focus is now on finding the next batch.

"Friday's graduates came from Whangarei, Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Kaeo, and a few locals," Mr Subritzky said.

"Although it is an iwi organisation that is driving this project, our priority is around education, training [Kiwidotcom] and employment, not only for Maori but for anyone who needs support to achieve a better lifestyle for themselves and their whanau. Our aim is for these workers to return as qualified tradesmen to build Te Hiku to be a place that tourists would visit and may stay on.

"We will be selecting 40 people for the next cohort. Naturally our preference is to check out our local talent before heading over the Mangamukas, so we really need to get the message out."

Anyone who would like to apply, or wants to know more, should contact Kiwidotcom on (09) 408-1851.

Mr Subritzky told Friday's graduates that Project Haere recognised the Far North's geographical challenges in terms of providing employment. Now the world was their oyster, and it was up to them to make the most of the chance they were receiving.

Kiwidotcom manager Faye Small read a letter from Lee West, CEO of Te Aupouri Maori Trust Board subsidiary Success Staffing Solutions, telling the graduates that they were taking the first step on a journey to achieving positive outcomes in the future.