Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs helping to prepare rangatahi for the workforce
22 Dec 2025
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs initiative has supported over 30 rangatahi to help prepare them for future employment pathways in the Kāpiti Coast.
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide network of New Zealand Mayors, working together to support young people aged 16–24 into employment, education, training, and other positive activities in our communities.
Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is in its second year in Kāpiti.
“This year, 13 young people have been placed with local businesses in hospitality, customer services, animal care, and the food, building, and health sectors,” says Mayor Holborow.
“And it’s fantastic to hear ten participants have since secured jobs, including two who did their work experience at Council.
“The initiative means a lot to me because it helps provide our next generation with both practical experience and wrap-around support to help prepare them for meaningful employment.
“The programme not only opens doors to potential job opportunities, it removes barriers to things like transport and equipment, while providing access to life skills training.
“It also helps local businesses provide practical ways to address skill shortages and local workforce gaps.”
As part of the programme, local employers can access help with recruitment, training subsidies, personal protective equipment, and short-course qualifications or licences, including forklift, Site Safe, first aid, and driver licensing.
“Congratulations to those who took the leap and did the mahi, and to the wonderful businesses who helped these young people develop a solid foundation for their future – we couldn’t have done it without them.”
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that focuses on connecting young people with suitable training, employment, and mentoring opportunities and helping remove any barriers to employment or training while providing a platform for job creation.
For more information, visit: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/community/community-support/mayors-taskforce-for-jobs/ and https://mtfj.co.nz/