WHO ARE WE?

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is politically neutral nationwide network of Mayors taking leadership on the jobs issue.

As the mayors are a visible, influential group, they can join together to develop partnerships with government agencies, businesses and communities to develop local solutions for local problem.

Almost all Mayors in the country belong to the Taskforce so to ensure it smooth running a core group of 13 mayors are responsible for the day to day running of the group.

MEMBERSHIP

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide network of Mayors working on the issues of work and livelihood in their communities. Begun in 2000 with 7 Mayors the Taskforce now has a membership of 71 Mayors (97% of all Mayors).

GOALS

That all young people under 25 years be in paid work, in training or education, or in productive activities in our communities and ...

That all people over 25 have the opportunity and be encouraged to be in paid work, in training or education, or in productive activities in our communities.

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