Govt invests $15m in regional training and education

21st May 2020 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

The Government is investing $14.79m in training and education schemes that could help job seekers in towns such as Rotorua and Kaikōura, which have been hit hard by the collapse of tourism.

The Government said it would provide the funding for training and education providers to help create employment pathways in regional New Zealand, and support the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

“By investing in skills and training for our young people, we can break down some of those barriers and support our rangatahi to succeed in a challenging environment,” said employment minister Willie Jackson.

“This will be crucial for towns such as Rotorua and Kaikōura, where the effects of Covid-19 will be particularly difficult due to loss of income from international tourism.”

The funding package consisted of $11.62m from Te Ara Mahi, the Provincial Growth Fund’s employment, skills and capability fund, and $3.17m from He Poutama Rangatahi, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s youth training and employment pathway fund.

“New Zealand’s economic recovery will be largely driven by the regions and they need a well-trained workforce and sustainable employment opportunities to get their economies moving,” said regional economic development minister Shane Jones.

“The challenge is one we were already addressing but it has been scaled up in response to the impact of Covid-19. This Government has put in place a wide range of measures to support regional recovery and secure Kiwi jobs. We need to ensure those who need help into skilled work receive it.”

The funding covered projects in Canterbury, Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Te Tai Tokerau.