Benefit numbers down in Rotorua

Rotorua has fewer people on a benefit than a year ago, however numbers are up from earlier this year.

For the three months to September there were 7525 people receiving a benefit compared to 7709 in the same period last year, according to the latest Ministry of Social Development statistics.

That includes 28 fewer people receiving the Jobseeker Support benefit than a year ago, although the number is also up from the June 2015 quarter.

One local man says he has applied for more than 300 jobs in the past 12 months.

Jayden Taurua, 20, was studying a business administration course in Auckland before his family decided it was too expensive to live there and moved to Rotorua.

"Since I've been in Rotorua I've applied for about 300 jobs and had over 20 interviews."

Mr Taurua has registered himself as a jobseeker at Work and Income and receives a benefit, has weekly meetings with his case worker and has been given the opportunity to participate in several courses, which have given him qualifications.

Through Work and Income he has completed a course with the military called the Limited Service Volunteer course, a first aid certificate and work experience through McDonald's and the Salvation Army.

He is keen to work in hospitality because he likes the atmosphere and he wants a new challenge.

"I just want to try something different. It feels like I'm running out of options."

Mr Taurua said he would love to be able to be able to save for a car when he got his first job.

Mike Bryant, Bay of Plenty Regional Commissioner for Social Development, said that during the last quarter, 3253 Jobseekers cancelled their benefits with 1638 of them moving into employment.

In the 12 months ending September 2015, 749 Sole Parent Support recipients cancelled their benefits with 417 doing so because they entered employment.

"It's encouraging to see fewer people receiving Sole Parent Support," Mr Bryant said.

"We need to work in partnership with others to make a greater difference. We appreciate positive employers who are prepared to give people an opportunity.

"We have a pool of motivated, work ready people who are keen to start work now."