Rotorua man takes job hunt to the street (+ video)

Matt Gordon loves to work, has experience with engineering firms, stockyards and on golf courses and has studied welding fabrication, landscaping and mechanics. Photo / Stephen Parker

Matt Gordon isn't waiting for a job to come to him.

The unemployed 40-year-old has gone public with his jobseeking efforts by standing on the corner of Old Taupo Rd and Pukuatua St holding a sign asking for work.

"I've done courses but am needing a job to pay for them," Mr Gordon said yesterday.

"You're competing against a lot of people for the one job and when you do apply, you don't hear back from people," he said.

"I like working and really want a job ... you've got to get out there and make an effort."

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Rotorua beneficiary numbers continue to drop. Ministry of Social Development figures show 7134 residents claimed benefits in the three months to June 30 - down 44 from the previous quarter and 55 fewer than the same quarter last year.

The Trade Me employment survey for April to June showed job listings in Rotorua rose 2 per cent to 483 compared with the same period last year.

As well, the Bay of Plenty employment rate reached 61.7 per cent for the March quarter, up from 57 per cent a year earlier.

But the city's social services and Mr Gordon are yet to see first-hand any of these changes.

"I've studied welding fabrication, landscaping, mechanics and have had experience with engineering firms, stockyards and on golf courses," he said.

"If you don't get a job, it's hard to pay back the cost of these courses or to keep on studying. I have had a few toots of the horn ... and some people do think I'm doing something courageous but I just want to work to be involved and just want that chance," he said.

If anyone can offer Mr Gordon work, contact him on (022) 131 5615.