As the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme marks its 25th anniversary, Mackenzie District is celebrating its local impact.
The MTFJ programme in the Mackenzie is providing district-wide support to disadvantaged youth and adults, helping them into employment, education, and training, while also giving them access to a wide range of support services.
Mackenzie’s Mayors have long been strong supporters of the scheme, working closely with council staff to deliver the programme locally.
Since 1 July 2024, 21 young people have gained employment placements with MTFJ support. Over the same period, 55 young people have been supported towards achieving their driver’s license. This is important because in a rural district like Mackenzie, driver licensing is often a major barrier to employment, making this support life-changing for many rangatahi (young people) seeking work.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth
Through a partnership with the Y-Central South Island, now a regular presence at the Twizel Events Centre, young people in Twizel and Fairlie are gaining access to driving lessons, improved youth services, recreational opportunities, and new youth development initiatives.
Training opportunities are often harder to access in rural communities. To fill this gap MTFJ Coordinators have worked to bring job-specific training and upskilling opportunities directly into the district. Recent initiatives have included;
- Three Barista Courses delivered with Mint Folk and Co, and Little Bean South Cafe.
- A Te Reo Māori class in Fairlie, led by Alexis Kereikeepa, strengthening skills and cultural knowledge.
- Defensive Driving training in Fairlie and Twizel
Community support for young people has been demonstrated by Mint Folk and Co who donated the cost of delivering their barista course to Gumboot Friday, a charity supporting youth mental health, and a partner organisation of the MTFJ programme
A Community Effort
Based at the Mackenzie District Council, staff work closely with employers, community groups, and volunteers who give their time, provide experience, and share their knowledge to support job placements and training opportunities. While we cannot name them all, we acknowledge their invaluable support with te aroha me te whakaute (love and respect) for the difference they continue to make.
25 Years of MTFJ
This year marks 25 years since MTFJ was founded. What began in February 2000 when seven mayors gathered in Christchurch, has grown into a nationwide movement dedicated to ensuring that every young person under 25 is engaged in meaningful work, training, or education. The kaupapa remains strong, helping rangatahi into jobs, strengthening whānau, and building more resilient communities across Aotearoa.
Over the past quarter century, MTFJ has partnered with councils, iwi, central government, employers, and community organisations to deliver local solutions to employment challenges. To date, more than 6,400 young people nationwide have gained employment through the programme.
Looking Ahead
As MTFJ celebrates 25 years, the focus remains firmly on the future. The Mayor and the Mackenzie District Council, with funding from Local Government New Zealand, will continue to:
- Support rangatahi and others disadvantaged in the workforce into meaningful employment,
- Address barriers to work, such as driver licensing
- Deliver training that matches local opportunities.
We encourage anyone interested in partnering with us, or rangatahi seeking support, to reach out and connect with their local coordinator.
For 25 years, the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs has been a story of collaboration, resilience, and belief in young people. The next 25 years will continue this legacy, ensuring that no young person is left without opportunity.