Pacific young people in Manawatū-Whanganui, Bay of Plenty and Waikato can get help accessing potentially life-changing learning and work opportunities with Tupu Aotearoa.
At a Tupu Aotearoa launch event on Friday in Hamilton, Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon. Aupito William Sio shared how the initiative aims to change young peoples’ lives.
“Whether it is help finding the right kind of job or training, advice on preparing for interviews, or career counselling, Tupu Aotearoa is there to help Pacific young people lay tracks towards a successful future,” the Minister says.
More Pacific people are born in New Zealand now than ever before, making it one of the fastest growing youth populations in Aotearoa, yet far too many are currently out of work, or struggling to access opportunities to learn new skills.
Minister Sio adds Tupu Aotearoa empowers young people aged 15 to 39 years to enhance their skills, kick-start their career prospects and earn a good living, as well as provide employers with skilled, motivated talent they need.
Tupu Aotearoa is the new name for the Pacific Employment Support Service (PESS) which reflects the expansion of the programme to regional New Zealand.
Since its launch in 2010 as the Pacific Employment Support Service, more than 2,200 Pacific young people have accessed the service, with nearly half being been placed into work.
The Minister says its success has been considerable, and it has laid the foundations for the Ministry to meet its vision of thriving, prosperous Pacific communities.
“However, until now we have not realised the service’s full potential and I am delighted, thanks to the support of the Provisional Growth Fund, Pacific young people in Waikato, Manawatū-Whanganui and Bay of Plenty will now have access to this potentially life-changing support.”
Seven organisations have been approved to provide this support in Manawatū-Whanganui, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
Each new provider has signed a collaboration agreement with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP); and the procurement process to identify providers for the Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Otago regions is underway.
“Each of the seven new providers brings with them local knowledge and experience that will enable them to tailor support to meet the needs of young people, local communities and businesses and I know our team is looking forward to working with them,” Minister Sio says.
In addition to the support of Minister Hon. Shane Jones and the Provisional Growth Fund, the Wellbeing Budget allocated another $14.5 million to extend Tupu Aotearoa further to cover wider Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
“One of the best things about extending this scheme is that young Pacific people will be able to access this support in the places they live,” Minister Sio adds.
“By taking the support to them, we can help young people stay broadly and deeply connected to their communities.”
The seven new organisations announced at the launch as providers of Tupu Aotearoa services in Waikato, Manawatū-Whanganui and Bay of Plenty are:
To find out more about Tupu Aotearoa, visit HERE or email the Ministry for Pacific Peoples - [email protected] or phone +64 4 473 4493.