The programme achieved 40 full-time employment placements and 10 casual or part-time placements, while also supporting young people to gain licences, workplace qualifications and the confidence needed to enter the workforce.

Working at a grassroots level, MTFJ's success relies on councils and central government working together to deliver for some of our most rural communities.

While every successful placement is worthy of celebration, there were several standout achievements including:

• Securing a permanent cadetship with Fulton Hogan
• Placing a young person in a full-time role with Delta
• Supporting two young people into full-time positions within the Council Water Unit, with one participant subsequently securing a plumbing apprenticeship with a local firm
• Numerous introductions to the wider contracted suppliers for roading, infrastructure, and green spaces
• Helping young people get ‘work ready’ with licencing, CV and interview support, financial literacy workshops, learner licence programmes, first aid training and direct engagement with local employers.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the programme’s success reflects the commitment of local employers, community organisations, training providers and staff working together to support young people into meaningful employment.

“Every young person has their own story and MTFJ has a role is helping young people take the first move, next step, or tackling an issue that’s keeping them from their full potential. Whether it’s securing full-time work, gaining a driver licence, beginning an apprenticeship or building confidence for the future, these outcomes change lives and demonstrate what can be achieved when our community works together.”

Transport remains one of the biggest barriers to employment in Waimakariri - particularly in rural areas. This last year MTFJ participants achieved 15 learner licences, 17 restricted licences, 10 full licences, eight defensive driving qualifications and two forklift licences.

Another highlight of the year was an employer breakfast featuring leading economist Brad Olsen, attended by more than 50 local employers. The event reinforced the value young people bring to the workforce and strengthened connections between employers, Council and the Ministry of Social Development.

MTFJ facilitators Elizabeth Trevathan and Lyn Blair said the year demonstrated the value of a community-wide approach to youth employment.

“We've seen young people secure jobs, apprenticeships, internships and career pathways that may not have been possible without the collective support of employers, Council and our community partners. The biggest highlight for us is seeing participants leave the programme with greater confidence, skills and optimism about their future.”

As the programme enters a new year, its focus remains on helping local young people build skills, gain employment and realise their full potential.

About MTFJ:

Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a movement of mayors around Aotearoa with a vision for great outcomes for young people. MTFJ advocates for a bottom-up approach, enabling councils to deliver the Community Employment Programme (CEP) in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. Since 2020, CEP has placed thousands of young people into sustained work across rural and provincial New Zealand.

In 2025, the Government updated the CEP funding criteria to reflect its benefit-reduction priorities. MTFJ remains committed to helping all young people into meaningful futures, while celebrating 25 years of local leadership in youth employment.