Auckland is a `young city` with around 40 per cent of its population

Spot light on Auck land
Auckland is a ‘young
city’ with around
40 per cent of its
population aged
25 years and under.
18 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
Auckland
Recently, tourism numbers have begun to
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the
Tasman Sea, Auckland, or Ta-maki Makaurau
fall with passenger movements at Auckland
as it is known in Ma-ori, is home to almost 1.4
International Airport dipping by 6.1 per cent in
million people and has the fastest growing
March 2009. This has been attributed to the current
population base in New Zealand.
global economic environment influencing arrivals
As the population has grown, so has
from overseas. Business New Zealand expects
Auckland’s cultural diversity. Currently more
New Zealand’s tourism market to contract by a
than 180 different ethnic groups are represented
further 1.7 per cent this year placing added pressure
across the breadth of the region. This includes the
on businesses that rely on tourists for income.
world’s largest Pacific community, which along
The global economic slow-down is also
with a growing Asian population contribute
placing pressure on the export sector, which is
heavily to Auckland’s cultural make-up.
facing a decrease in demand from New Zealand’s
Key facts
Auckland will host
the 2011 Rugby World Cup
final. The event is expected
to inject around $250 million
into the Auckland economy.
Rangitoto is the largest,
most recent, and least
modified volcano of the
Auckland Volcanic Field.
Auckland is a ‘young city’ with around 40 per
trading partners. As New Zealand’s main hub
cent of its population aged 25 years and under.
for exports, a decrease in activity can affect
This youthful base and mix of cultures provides
Auckland’s economy. So far, New Zealand’s
Auckland’s Sky Tower
a perfect backdrop to the many large festivals
exports in the agriculture sector have shown
and events that Auckland hosts each year.
resilience meaning Auckland’s economy has held
These events provide an expressive outlet for
up well compared to other overseas cities.
is the tallest free-standing
structure in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Auckland’s diverse population and highlight the
Work and Income is working collaboratively with
contribution of all groups to Auckland’s identity.
other government and non-government agencies
The 2009 Mercer Quality
of Living Survey placed
Auckland fourth equal with
Vancouver from 215 cities
worldwide.
Auckland is New Zealand’s economic hub
to ensure the Auckland region is in good shape
with over 70 per cent of imports and 40 per cent
to weather the impact of the global economic
of exports passing through its ports each year.
slowdown. Whilst there has been an increase
The Auckland International Airport also helps
in the amount of people seeking assistance,
contribute billions of dollars each year to the
the numbers are still lower than in recent years,
2,108 sunshine hours
New Zealand economy with over 13 million
and we believe we are well-placed to best support
passengers moving through its terminals annually.
the people of Auckland during this time.
were recorded in Auckland in 2008.
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 19
Spot light on Auck land
Teamwork and unity
Interview with Auckland hero Fale
Chang-Ting, Work and Income case
manager and two-time Rugby League
World Cup champion.
Whether she is working with her colleagues
to help clients find jobs or making a move
on the fifth tackle, Avondale Work and
Income case manager and two-time
Rugby League World Cup champion,
Fale Chang-Ting values teamwork and
unity above everything else.
Do you see much cr ossover bet ween t he
way you appr oach a game of r ugby league
and t he way you appr oach your wor k as a
case manager for Wor k and Income?
Definitely, a clear goal is important.
In rugby league a team does well when
everyone knows what the goal is and
focuses on achieving it. It’s the same
at Work and Income; we have team
standards which we all aim to meet.
If one person is not doing their job it
affects everyone else. I guess with league
and work you can only meet your goals
if everyone is pulling their weight.
W hat was i t like w inning t wo Rugby League
Wor ld Cup Gr and Finals back to back?
It was awesome, especially because we
were playing the Australians at Suncorp
Stadium. The buzz you get from that
place is incredible.
T he men’s Wor ld Cup side pu t a lot of
How does t he team pr epar e for a big match
Was t her e much suppor t at t he stadium?
such as t he Wor ld Cup Gr and Final?
Women’s rugby league doesn’t really get
Relaxation is important. In the changing
rooms it’s all about business, so one of the
things we do before a big match is take time
out. Before the Grand Final we stopped off
at some gardens, and as a team had a good
much attention in the media. There were
a few supporters there on the day, but the
atmosphere was still pretty awesome.
Wi t hou t t hat cr owd suppor t to feed of f
walk around and a good team chat. We also
was t her e any t hing else t he team used
emphasis on team histor y, and called in a
spend time together away from the game.
for mot i vat ion?
number of past players to talk and provide
During the World Cup we took the time to
Well, we didn’t have changing rooms.
inspir at ion befor e each game. Did t he
have lunch and dinner together as a team.
We were actually put into these toilets
We also did other team-bonding activities
somewhere in the back of the stadium,
like an amazing race around the streets
I guess so, but we didn’t have outside
which the team thought was pretty slack.
where we were staying in Sydney. I think
Some of the girls were definitely using
speakers. For us it [inspiration] comes
that these sorts of things helped the team
that as motivation while we got ready.
from the team, from our captain, coaches
a lot, you get to really know someone’s
But in that sort of situation the team really
and management speaking to us before a
personality rather than just the position
just has to pull together, forget about our
game, and then from each other while we
they play, and this helps you relate better to
surroundings or how we were let down,
are on the field.
them on the field.
and focus on the job ahead.
women’s team do any t hing similar?
20 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
Spot light on A uck land
Like the Phoenix from the ashes –
one community’s uprising
Everyone loves a great resurrection story –
it’s even better when it’s your own.
Residents of South Auckland’s Otahuhu
can take pride in being responsible for
their community’s story of renewal.
After an upsurge of neighbourhood
violence
in
2006,
accompanied
by
negative media attention, the community
knew it was time for positive action.
People
including
in
those
the
from
neighbourhood,
local
schools,
churches and sports groups, were eager
to come on board in order to transform
their community. Change was officially
set in motion when the Ministry of Social
Development and the Auckland City
Council offered to provide funding for the
creation of a community steering group.
“We initiated the Otahuhu Steering
Group to give the community a voice – a
chance to bang their drum – where before it
wasn’t there,” says community development
coordinator Justine McFarlane. “People
living in Otahuhu were lacking community
pride, and we wanted to change that.”
The steering group started by asking
residents about changes they would like
to see. Convened yearly, this community
forum provides a meeting place for
In a relatively short time, the community is
members to share their concerns and
already reaping the benefits associated with
suggest areas for change. By seeking the
a decisive plan of action. People are joining
opinions of the community’s residents,
together to paint over graffiti, and everyone
coordinators are better able to determine
is making more of an effort to keep the
the resources necessary to turn the group’s
streets rubbish-free. A regularly-circulated
hopes into reality.
newsletter is sent to residents advising of
Three years on, the steering group has
weekly and one-off community events, such
now hired a community development
as the Otahuhu Family Fun Day, Gladiators
coordinator responsible for organising the
of Change to promote positive parenting,
group’s ideas into a cohesive game-plan.
and the first annual Otahuhu Youth Expo.
Louise Spokes was only too happy to take
A recently held ”gardening competition”
on the role.
proved a fun way to encourage residents
“It’s been really exciting to be part
of this – and challenging at the same
to put a little extra effort into making their
neighbourhood more beautiful.
time,” says Louise. “Our focus right now
“The changes in the community are
is increasing residents’ sense of safety,
really marked”, says 12-year resident
youth
Christine O’Brien. “People who live here
activity,
overall
community
environment and community pride.”
are actually proud of the area.”
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 21
Spot light on Nelson, Mar lbor ough and West Coast
The thriving tourism industry within all three
regions is a testament to the region’s natural
splendour and artistic achievements.
22 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
Nelson, Marlborough
and West Coast
It’s hard to decide what to like most about
see for the industry in the future. The study
the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast
will determine ways to keep the industry
region: the stunning bays and inlets of the
healthy as well as continuing to make fishing
Marlborough Sounds, the practically-Jurassic
enjoyable.
rainforests along the West Coast, or the
The high labour needs in the seasonal
ingenious garments on display at the World of
fishing and orchard industries contribute to
WearableArt in Nelson.
healthy employment numbers. Dairy farm
The thriving tourism industry within all
owners and forestry services have planned
three regions is a testament to the region’s
for
natural splendour and artistic achievements.
preparations will help increase the likelihood
Tourism New Zealand has recently been given
additional funding to encourage visitors from
Australia. The Nelson-Tasman region is an
attractive area for Australian holiday-makers,
and the promotional boost aims to keep
visitor numbers up through tougher economic
conditions.
Knowing that tourism helps create a healthy
economy, Nelson has bid for, and successfully
won, the right to host two of the games in
the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Not only will
Nelson benefit economically, it will also give
the region increased world-wide exposure
as a tourist destination. Many businesses are
already planning ways to benefit from this
high-profile event.
Although the fishing industry in Nelson
has seen recent lay-offs, much is being done
lean
times,
but
their
conservative
of a productive future.
Work and Income service centres in the
Key facts
Both Marlborough and
Nelson boast the distinction of
being the country’s sunniest areas.
Marlborough contains 85
per cent of New Zealand’s
sauvignon blanc plantings.
Nelson region – are well-prepared to help
Nelson is New Zealand’s
those affected by the recent recession.
10th most populous city.
In the first three months of this year,
one-third of those seeking our assistance at
‘Work for You’ seminars have not needed
to apply for a benefit.
A Business Confidence Survey has recently
been
issued
in
the
Marlborough
area.
The regional Chamber of Commerce is looking
to expand and help businesses by offering
them more complete and timely information
than they can currently access. The survey
New Zealand’s oldest
geological evidence is found
in these three regions.
The sunken Russian
vessel Mikhail Lermontov, located
in the Queen Charlotte Sound,
is thought to be the world’s
largest diveable cruise shipwreck.
focuses on the types of skills shortages
they’re facing, and how many people are
required to fill those roles. At the beginning
of May, the Marlborough region was at near
full employment.
to prepare for the future. The Nelson-based
Nelson’s Chamber of Commerce website
Cawthron Institute has undertaken research to
recognises that in times of challenge there are
determine what recreational fishers are getting
also great opportunities. With that optimistic
out of their sport, and what they would like to
viewpoint in mind, the future looks bright.
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 23
Spot light on Nelson, Mar lbor ough and West Coast
Nelson’s super woman
Interview
with
Nelson,
Marlborough
and West Coast hero Ursula Lewis,
New Zealand Super Case Manager and a
‘super’ woman all round.
How did you become a New Zealand Super
case manager?
Thirty-odd years ago I started as a
relieving tea lady. I went on to become
a mail and admin clerk, and then I was
made telephonist/receptionist. I have
worked in other areas too, such as
support person for what is now known
as Benefit Integrity Services. Then on
1 April 1997, I applied for the job as
NZ Super case manager and got it.
W hat do you like most abou t your job?
I love the interaction with our senior
clients. Generally we have very relaxed
and friendly relationships with our clients,
and we can have a laugh together. I try to
make sure they hear about all the services
and assistance we can offer. Even if it
isn’t needed now, it may be later so it’s
important they know.
I also want my clients to feel that I am
only a phone call or email away if they
have any questions. I like getting out to
talk to community groups too. These have
included organisations such as Probus,
the RSA, Age Concern and health groups.
It’s great. I really enjoy that.
The other good thing about working
here is the supportive staff, especially my
“Super” buddy Jan Smith.
Tell us abou t ot her gr oups you wor k w i t h?
I represent Work and Income on the Age
Concern committee, and I am the liaison
person in Nelson/Tasman for the Nelson
Hospice and the Cancer Society.
I am also a victim support volunteer,
and as a team leader I am the first point
with people who have undergone all
impressed at their help I thought I could
sorts of different trauma – whether it’s a
help too so I trained as a counsellor.
fire in their house, a violent crime or an
accident – we help them get through
If you do have any other time lef t in your
the first shocks of the incident and
busy life – what’s your favourite interest?
refer them to other agencies which can
Scrapbooking. I love it, and a few of
help. Knowing about Work and Income
us here in Nelson City and the Regional
assistance is a real bonus.
Office get together to go to classes,
of call for a police, fire or ambulance
I joined Victim Support back in 1993,
and help each other with ideas and
emergency that needs our help – so I
after an incident at home when a man
practical help. I’m working on a project to
have to remember to have my phone and
tried to break into the house. One of
make scrapbooks for all of our centres –
their volunteers visited me and I was so
so that is a biggie.
pager handy. As an organisation we work
24 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
Spot light on Nelson, Mar lbor ough and West Coast
Friendship has no language barrier
It doesn’t matter what kind of accent
colours a welcoming voice.
Ask any member of the Nelson
Newcomers Network and they’ll tell you
it’s something they’ve known for nearly
three years.
“Everyone is so welcoming and kind to us.
We got some advice, found a kindergarten
for our boy. It helps me improve my
English,” says group member Cathy.
Deputy
Mayor
of
Nelson
Gail
Collingwood had heard about a group in
Ashburton created for the sole purpose
of welcoming migrants to the community.
Gail, together with Brigid Ryan of Family
and Community Services, and Claire Nichols
of Nelson Multi-Ethnic Council, contacted
the Ashburton Newcomers Network to see
about creating something similar in Nelson.
Says Claire of the plan, “We wanted
people to make connections in the
Newcomers Network so that they would
feel comfortable socialising outside of it.”
The network began as an outcome
of the Settling In Project. The project
was initiated to help meet the needs of
incoming migrants and refugees. A focus
group of 200 was assembled to find out
how people were faring after leaving their
native country. It was there determined
that without a secure network of friends,
people couldn’t feel comfortable in their
new environment. That’s where the
Newcomers Network came in.
“We really wanted to focus on
supporting immigrants new to Nelson,”
says Claire. “We wanted everyone on
board to back the concept.”
What began as a hopeful concept turned
into reality as the Nelson Multi-Ethnic
Committee created a website devoted to
the network and began finding activity
Wednesday, and Kiwi film nights are just
friends. It has made a huge difference to
coordinators. The Newcomers Network
a few of the activities hosted.
how both myself and my husband have
was officially launched on 2 June 2006.
The network isn’t limited to members
The committee, ranging from six to
from overseas. The programme’s originators
ten members at a time, is responsible
wanted to include all newcomers to
for organising events appropriate for all
Nelson – from Wellington to Mumbai.
members (including children). Morning
“I’ve got to know some people really
chats over coffee, quiz nights every
well and I am very happy to call them my
experienced settling in and feeling like we
belong here,” says member Linda.
Some things in life are universal –
friendship and a kind ear go a long way
towards making someone’s life in a new
country much happier.
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 25
changing lives
while saving lives
Smoke alarms save lives. It is a familiar
able to install and check the smoke alarms.
message that is brought to our TV screens
Courtesy of ACC, they were also trained
every year around daylight savings time.
to spot hazards in the home, and how to
Household fires have traumatic impacts
minimise or isolate those hazards. They were
including loss of life, injury and property
also taught customer service skills like how
damage. The financial and emotional cost
to approach residents, and how to handle
to families and communities are significant,
different scenarios, from aggressive dogs and
and entirely avoidable. The simple act of
misbehaving children to someone having a
installing a smoke alarm can save lives and
heart attack.
prevent property damage.
“The project
had hugely positive
impacts, not only
for those who were
directly involved
but for the whole
community”.
26 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
It was a busy six months with the team
This is the message at the heart
installing or replacing 11,932 smoke alarms.
of the Taranaki Home Safety Project.
The installation phase is now complete but
The project initially trained a team of 12
that doesn’t mean the project will stop – the
Work and Income clients to provide safety
next phase will be checking up on all those
messages and information on local support
visited during the project to make sure their
services to homes in the Taranaki towns,
alarms are in good working order.
and
surrounding
areas,
of
Stratford,
Eltham and Kaponga.
The project was funded by the Taranaki
Electricity Trust and brought safety messages
This team became the ambassadors
right into people’s homes. The ambassadors
for the project, and was supported by
were armed with information and resources
Work and Income who provided them
from a wide range of organisations including
with subsidies through Taskforce Green a
the New Zealand Fire Service, Victim Support,
nd a work grant so they could be fitted
Work and Income, ACC, Housing New Zealand
with great professional uniforms.
and Better Homes Taranaki. Taranaki Electricity
The ambassadors were fully trained in
Trust Chairman Brian Jeffries is immensely
all aspects of the project, including practical
proud of what the project has achieved,
and customer service skills. They were
“Even if we had installed a smoke alarm that
taught practical skills – being trained by
saved just one life – it would have been worth
the New Zealand Fire Service so they were
it – but we’ve done so much more than that”.
“Even if we had installed a smoke alarm that
saved just one life – it would have been worth
it – but we’ve done so much more than that”.
Stratford local and Work and Income
great thing to have as a service. Keep up
Work Broker Rene van de Weert has been
the good work. It’s good we will sleep
the
representative
better at night knowing if there is a fire
on the project, and is deeply passionate
we will hear it with alarms” (from Vicky,
about everything that has been achieved.
one of the satisfied recipients of the
“The project had hugely positive impacts,
service who wrote in to show her support
not only for those who were directly involved
for the project). Or, “I was dreading
but for the whole community”, says Rene.
these people coming into my house but –
Work
and
Income
Rene worked personally with the original
they’re lovely. A very pleasant experience,”
12 project ambassadors who ranged in
(from Pat, another satisfied customer who
age from 18 to 62 and who were on a
shared her positive feedback with the
range of benefits, some for as long as ten
project team).
years. “It was wonderful to see these people
The partners in the project have now
grow and develop during their time on the
formed a trust called the Central Taranaki
project. Many now have good jobs, an income
Safe Community Trust who will undertake
and are independent. But not only that,
the checks of 12,000 installed smoke
they now feel more connected to their
alarms in 2,200 homes over the next three
community and have a real sense of
months. This will provide employment for at
achievement about their involvement in this
least another four Work and Income clients
project”, reflects Rene.
as project ambassadors.
The project has been a huge success
“Working
together
with
others
for both the clients and the community.
on projects such as this allows us to do
Twelve months on from the project, five of
things together that we can't do on our
the project ambassadors remain in full-time
own. I’m so proud of what we have achieved
employment. The project has truly changed
with this project and the possibilities that
their lives for the better.
are now unfolding,” says
The community provided heaps of great
Gloria Campbell, Ministry of
feedback about the difference the project
Social Development Taranaki
made including comments like, “What a
Regional Commissioner.
Taranaki,
King Country,
Wanganui
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 27
“...there are better relationships
being created between MSD and
the Salvation Army... we now
have MSD staff embedded
in our organisation full-time
and part-time. And that has
made a difference.”
28 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
uniting for social change
No one knows better than the Salvation Army
about what’s going on in low-income New Zealand.
“The Sallies” have been lending a hand to the
down-and-out, the addicted, the battered and the
bruised since 1883. They’re dedicated to making a
difference in the lives of people in need.
In the last decade, the Salvation Army
has wanted to make an even bigger impact.
They’ve expanded the way they engage with
“We’re sharing
information in ways
that we weren’t sharing
information before.”
parliamentary processes, seeking to influence
and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
policy and shape society. Major Campbell
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
Roberts has been one of the driving forces
which Major Roberts says has had a positive impact
in this movement. In 2004 he developed
on both the organisation and the people it helps.
a plan to create a Territorial Social Policy and
“The MOU sets the basis for the development
Parliamentary Unit based in South Auckland.
of individual relationships at a local, regional
The unit aimed to eradicate poverty in
and national level,” says Major Roberts.
New Zealand by providing stimulus for change
“Now, it’s not just about meeting at the end
and policy alternatives that could make
of a contract to renew. We meet to talk about social
New Zealand a fairer place to live.
issues. We’re talking about issues of prevention
“At the time, we were spending $80 to 100
and about what individual organisations are
million a year on services, but when we went back
doing. We’re sharing information in ways that
and looked over the last ten years at the indicators
we weren’t sharing information before.”
more concerning was that most of the demand
was coming not from people who had lost their
jobs, but people who were still working.
It’s a bit of worry,” says Major Roberts.
for the areas we work in – housing, income, the
The MOU hasn’t just improved the way that
elderly… all of those indicators had got worse,”
MSD and the Salvation Army relate to each other
explains Major Campbell Roberts. “There wasn’t
as organisations. It’s also helped in terms of the
one which had improved over that period of
delivery of the services. “It helps us target our
time. We then faced the question… do we stop
service better because some of the work the
doing what we’re doing? Is it the wrong thing?
Ministry has done is helpful in that regard, and
And of course it’s not, we have to keep providing
we now have access to overall thinking,” says
their own home, they rent, so interest rate drops
the services that we’re providing. But we realised
Major Roberts. “I think also because there are
haven’t affected them. If anything, their rents have
we needed to engage more in the policy process,
better relationships being created between MSD
been going up. So these people are working and
so we set up the unit for that purpose.”
and the Salvation Army, then there is often better
still struggling to survive. What’s going to happen
Since 2004 when the unit was set up, the
flow. We now have MSD staff embedded in our
when there is significant unemployment?”
Salvation Army has released four major reports
organisation full-time and part-time. And that
Yet despite the increase for services around
and had input into areas of policy development
has made a difference. Instead of having to send
the country, Major Roberts takes a holistic view of
like KiwiSaver and Housing. It has seen them
people off to a Ministry office, we’ve had Work
the economic crisis. He sees how it can ultimately
working more closely with politicians than since
and Income case managers on-site, which leads
benefit us. “People think we just need to find that
the days of the annual Congress Sunday afternoon
to a better understanding of what we’re about.”
magic solution to turn the economy around,”
visit pre-1980. That was a time when the Prime
When Rise spoke to Major Roberts in early April,
says Major Roberts. “It would be a tragedy if
Minister and the Leader of the Opposition would
the Salvation Army had already seen a marked
we just found a way to crank the economy up,
both speak and assure the Salvationists how
increase in demand for their services since the
without learning the lessons of why we got to
much their work was appreciated.
previous November. Community centres, which
where we got. If we can use the present crisis
“The people we’re seeing are still employed,
but household income has got smaller. People
have seen overtime disappear, they’ve seen the
second income disappear, they’ve seen part-time
work stop. And most of these people don’t own
During the ‘80s and the ‘90s, the relationship
typically see a decrease over January and February,
well and learn something from it, then it will be
between the Salvation Army and the Government
were reporting surges of up to 35 percent
worthwhile, and I believe we can move into a
wasn’t as close. But in 2006, the Salvation Army
demand on December. And what was perhaps
productive and creative period for NZ.”
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 29
>
Southern
Southern
Over 150 people from across the Southern Region attended the Regional Job Summit held in
Dunedin in March. The keynote speaker, Dr Ganesh Nana, a Senior Economist provided an overview of
current economic trends in New Zealand and around the world. Dr Nana’s presentation set the scene for
other key business leaders in the Southern Region to participate in a panel discussion about the impact
of the recession.
A Results Based Accountability Workshop was held in Dunedin and Invercargill in partnership with
funding partners: Family and Community Services, Department of Internal Affairs, Christchurch City Council,
Ministry of Youth Development, Child, Youth and Family, Social Service Providers Aotearoa Inc. and the
Community Trust. A new framework to support planning and achieving results was presented at the workshops.
Canterbury
Canterbury
Our staff played key roles at a Children’s Day event in Christchurch on 1 March. Children’s Day
is a national event; it asks parents and caregivers to focus on their children and spend time with them.
Working for Families, Work and Income, and Child, Youth and Family staff provided information about
products and services across the whole Ministry. A range of free, child-friendly fun activities, sports, games
and crafts were also on offer.
The Ashburton community came out in force to support the official opening of their Community
Link on 24 March. Ashburton Mayor Bede O’Malley and MP Jo Goodhew Rangitata attended, along with
strong representation from the community, government agencies and employers. Ministry staff are working
together with the Community Link, along with other Government and non-government agencies.
Nelson,
Malborough,
West Coast
Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast
While unemployment in the region remains low, there have been some job losses,
particularly in Nelson/Tasman at the Sealord factory and Richmond’s MDF plant. With the
co-operation of the businesses involved, Work and Income work brokers and labour market staff
went onsite over several days to make sure employees were aware of other employment options,
the ReStart package, the potential extra support from Working for Families and other assistance.
We encourage any other businesses in any region that have to look at staff cuts or reduced
hours to contact Employer Services to see how we can help them and the affected employees.
The service is free, phone 0800 778 008.
30 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
Wellington
Wellington
The Naenae Community Link was officially opened by the Honourable Paula Bennett on Tuesday
31 March. The more than 100 guests, ranging from local non-government organisations, local businesses,
the local iwi and the Naenae Community Link partners, made it a great success.
Businesses and industries in the Wellington region were invited to participate in the Wellington
Regional Job Summit on 8 April to get the real picture on what is happening in the current economic
climate, and what is likely to happen with the local economy.
There were several well-known Wellington events held throughout the region recently that Work and
Income staff attended to promote Working for Families assistance. These events included Te Ra o Te Raukura
held at Te Whiti Park in Lower Hutt, the Newtown and Kilbirnie Festivals, and the Porirua Creekfest.
Central
Central
Promoting a positive image of friendship through football, South Africa might have the
2010 FIFA World Cup, but Palmerston North had Ethkick09. With over 38 teams from all four corners
of the world, language was no barrier when it came to playing the beautiful game of football.
The Ministry was part of the organising committee alongside Police, Department of Internal Affairs,
Sport Manawatu, Refugee Services, Settlement Support and ETC Learning.
Work and Income entered a combined mixed team with Inland Revenue and competed under the
team name, Team WIRE – Work and Income, Inland Revenue Ethkick. It was an excellent inter-agency effort
to support a diverse community. Palmerston North has over 150 ethnicities residing within the city.
East
Coast
East Coast
Flaxmere Community Link was officially opened by Tukituki MP Craig Foss on 25 March. Over
80 guests were treated to a tour of the new premises. This was East Coast’s Regional Commissioner
Lindsay Scott’s last official occasion before transferring to our Wellington region early April. Sue Rissman
from the Southern region will be acting as East Coast’s Regional Commissioner for the coming months.
During March and April employment summits were held in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. The Hawke’s
Bay Summit held on 6 March was co-hosted by the Ministry, the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce,
Hawke’s Bay Inc and local polytechnic EIT. Approximately 120 delegates attended. The Gisborne Summit
held on 24 April was co-hosted by the Ministry, the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, the Employers and
Manufacturers Association, and the Gisborne District Council.
Auckland
Auckland
Work and Income and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce recently co-hosted three regional
employment summits across Auckland to connect business leaders, local and central government, and key
community stakeholders. Employers and stakeholders were able to talk and discuss ways they can support
each other, and they had an opportunity to come up with ideas on how to create a healthy economy.
StudyLink has just completed its busiest ever peak season, with record numbers of Student Allowance
and Loan applications. MyStudyLink continues to grow in popularity and Auckland Outreach staff have
been kept busy showing students how easy and useful it is.
Child, Youth and Family’s new Onehunga site opened its doors in February. On 21 April, 200 children in Child, Youth
and Family care from around Auckland were treated to their own private training session with the Blues rugby team.
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 31
Bay of
Plenty
Bay of Plenty
The Central North Island Youth Sector Day was held on 29 February in Rotorua. The day brought
together youth workers, service managers and decision-makers from across the region. Minister of Youth
Affairs, Hon. Paula Bennett opened the day. The subsequent newspaper headline, ‘Minister impressed
with youth services’, has been a confidence boost for local providers.
Welcome Bay residents celebrated the opening of their community centre on 4 April. The
development of the Community Centre was an inter-agency project, led by the Ministry. The project aims
to increase community capacity to respond to community need, co-ordinate appropriate service provision
and ensure services are being delivered in the community.
Taranaki,
King Country,
Wanganui
Taranaki, King Country and Wanganui
Winter offers opportunities with the ski season demanding staff in hospitality, retail, and out on the
mountain operating the equipment, and assisting with transport. Work and Income has an ongoing relationship
with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts where people are trained and upskilled to apply for these positions. Last year’s winter
floods opened other job opportunities with the Department of Conservation. A team of people were given
training and is now working to clear and repair flood-damaged tracks on Mount Taranaki.
The Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, local employers, industries, and Work and Income are aiming
to minimise skill and labour shortages through the Wanganui Regional Trades Initiative by getting a closer
connection between trades, tertiary institutions and schools across the Wanganui District.Young jobseekers have
seen more focus on opportunities such as first job programmes, skills training, industry partnerships and cadetships.
Northland
Northland
‘Engaging Taitamariki in Learning’ was launched in February by Hon. Dr Pita Sharples.
The strategy is lead by the Ministry of Social Development and Te Puni Ko-kiri, and was a Northland
Intersectoral Forum initiative. The strategy aims to double the number of Ma-ori educational
achievements, so 75 per cent of Ma-ori students achieve NCEA level 2 by 2013.
‘Keep Northland Working’ was the theme of the Northland Economic Summit held on 20 March
in Whangarei. Hosted by Enterprise Northland, over 110 people attended representing government,
non-government and the corporate sectors.
Kamo Community Link was officially opened on 6 April. More than 70 people attended the dawn
blessing which included the unveiling of the various room names which feature native trees of New Zealand.
Waikato
Waikato
Work and Income participated in Work Choice Day on 19 May. Two schools visited and the
students participated in activities of job searching and received tips on how to prepare for a job interview.
StudyLink Hamilton Outreach attended the Hamilton Te Ao Hou Expo on 27 and 28 May at Hamilton
Gardens. The event targets all Ma-ori secondary school students in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty
regions, and has been established via a collaborative approach by Te Mana, University of Waikato,
Waikato Institute of Technology, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.
Work and Income will be participating in the Career Paths Waikato Expo for 2009. This is an excellent
opportunity to advise students, parents, job seekers and career planners of all ages about career and
training opportunities.
32 RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009
tips
and links
Feedback
Thank you for issue 6 which I have read
and passed on to my High-School teacher
son for whom the articles are relevant.
Thank you
Eileen Meagher
Many thanks for sending us your vibrant
and inspiring magazine.
Many thanks
Viv Newnham
Administration
Canterbury Service Centre
Dear Team,
Rise online
Many
I t’s Not OK !
Comprehensive family violence resources
whether you are experiencing, witnessing or
committing family violence.
past
issues
of
Rise
for
your
magazine
encouraging read.
Ingrid Turner
Waikato Branch Administrator
www.areyouok.org.nz
Download
thanks
which as always is informative and an
Epilepsy NZ
from
the Ministry of Social Development website.
Nga- Taonga Pu- or o
I would like to congratulate you on this
Past highlights include interviews with Dame
Richard Nunns is a living authority
on nga- taonga pu-oro (Ma-ori traditional
together visually and full of real life stories
Silvia Cartwright, Tana Umaga and Peter Snell.
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msdand-our-work/publications-resources/
journals-and-magazines/rise/index.html
musical
instruments).
He
has
been
described as one of New Zealand’s most
remarkable musicians.
http://www.inza.co.nz/RN.php
Moana and t he Tr ibe
Read more about Moana and the Tribe
online, plus listen to audio clips.
http://www.moananz.com
Donatenz
Donate to deserving organisations in your
community, using our unique match maker
lease on life, whilst helping the environment
and supporting your local community.
http://www.donatenz.co.nz
tutors alike.
Kind regards
Virginia Archer
Manager
Auck land Museum
For 150 years Auckland Museum has
Kia ora
protected and cared for the taonga, the
I have teenage sons. My 16-year-old
treasures, of iwi and hapü from throughout
would be inclined to have a read of your
Aotearoa. Find out more online.
magazine if it were left sitting on the
http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/5/
maori-culture
coffee table! (The other would only flick
through it if it had a rollerblading picture
on the front!). I found the magazine to
have real ‘feel good – good motivational
put you in touch with worthy organisations
money and give your unloved things a new
that are motivating for my students and
Marlborough Community College
service! If you have something to give, we can
who are waiting to receive. Save time and
outstanding publication. It is so well put
Sal vat ion A r my
Read the inspirational stories of people that
the Salvation Army has helped over the years.
vibes’ content that my son would benefit
from reading, as did I.
Christine Single
Early Childhood Co-ordinator
http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/here-
Napier Office
to-help/testimonials/
RISE: Issue 7 – July 2009 33
Congratulations
to everyone involved in the campaign – recent International
Association of Business Communicators Gold Quill Award winner.