Young City Dwellers Encouraged to Think Rural
With a growing shortage of workers the Waimate District is taking a fresh approach to powering up the district’s labour force.
Through the Waimate District Jobs Hub outlet, the district is throwing their support behind a nationwide campaign to help target young people in cities and sell the benefits of living in the country.
Think Rural, which launched throughout New Zealand on 1 November, has the full backing of eighteen rural districts, collectively aiming to fill 1,150 jobs in rural areas. The campaign is driven by Local Government New Zealand’s Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) initiative, with support from the Ministry of Social Development.
Waimate District Council Mayor Craig Rowley says he hopes that encouraging young people to Think Rural will attract a legion of keen and hardworking new recruits to the area.
“Presently the district is experiencing significant growth, with multiple jobs on offer, from agriculture to hospitality and the average rental sitting at around $360 per week,” Mayor Rowley said.
“If you’re looking for a great lifestyle, career opportunity and work/life balance, think rural and think Waimate District.”
National Programme Manager of MTFJ Noa Woolloff is equally passionate about getting young people into jobs that give them a new lease on life.
“Young people often think about going overseas to have new experiences, but with the borders closed, we’re highlighting the incredible things New Zealand has to offer – right on their back doorstep,” Wooloff said.
“They say the grass is greener, but in this case it actually is. Think Rural will showcase what these towns have to offer – from welcoming communities to interesting jobs and outdoor adventures.”
The rural councils getting behind the Think Rural scheme and joining Waimate in the hope of drawing a younger crowd are Ōpōtiki, Ōtorohanga, Central Hawke’s Bay, Chatham Islands, Gore, Ruapehu, Westland, Wairoa, Hurunui, Tararua, Grey, Rangitikei, Clutha, Hauraki, Mackenzie and Buller.
Each rural district has a chance to receive funding support of up to $500,000 to aid their efforts to support youth and COVID-19 displaced workers into sustainable long-term employment.
Wannabe rural-dwellers can find the right community for them on thinkrural.co.nz. The site gives a basic overview on each participating town and directs jobseekers to available jobs.
For further information, please contact:
Sam Morton
Communications Officer
P: 03 689 0092 E: sam.morton@waimatedc.govt.nz
Sean Gillespie
Local Government New Zealand Media/Public Affairs Manager
P: 021 914 464 E: sean.gillespie@lgnz.co.nz