AGM 2007
Good time for networking
The 2007 AGM of the Taskforce was held in Dunedin at the Local Government Conference and was attended by 49 Mayors plus government officials and guests. The annual report and accounts were presented and Taskforce Chair, Mayor Paul Matheson encouraged the Mayors to view the Annual General meeting as a time to celebrate both the work of the Taskforce collectively and also what they individually had achieved in their regions.
Mayors Maureen Pugh, Westland and Clive Geddes, Queenstown-Lakes
Three Core Group Mayors are not seeking re-election in October – Taskforce Chair, Mayor Paul Matheson (Nelson), Garry Moore (Christchurch) and Mary Bourke (South Taranaki).
Entertainment by ‘Celtic Affair’
WHY MAYORS?
Mayors are:
- Directly elected and they have a collective ability to speak to the whole community, take civic leadership and facilitate collaboration and genuine partnerships across all sectors
- Passionate about their communities
- Committed to providing opportunities for all their citizens to participate
WHY YOUTH?
- Research shows those who make a successful transition from school to education, training and work have better life long outcomes.
- NZ is suffering widespread skill and labour shortages so we need every young person to be fully engaged in our communities.
- NZ needs to train its young to help fill our skills shortages.
- The demand for entry and lower level skilled workers is also growing.
- There is global competition for skilled labour.
- Youth are an underutilised source of labour.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Taking Mayoral leadership to engage with government Ministers, officials, agencies, community groups and the private sector which have key roles in employment is the way the Taskforce works to achieve its vision. Partnerships with government agencies and Ministers provide the Taskforce with an opportunity to discuss policy issues and inform the policy making process, particularly to ensure that policy is relevant at the local level. Working across all sectors and encouraging collaboration between agencies ensures the most effective service delivery and efficient use of resources, currently through:
- Increasing youth transition services, modern apprenticeships, industry trainees
- Using Long Term Council Community Plans to engage locals
- Working with central and local government officials to develop sound policies and projects
- Using Mayors’ collective voice to lobby on behalf of youth employment
- Recognising and using the power of the Mayor’s office