New Zealand Māori Council

Whakatutuki Work Ready Programme

Whakatutuki Work Ready consists of a 6-month intensive programme delivered out of Benneydale for rangatahi aged 18-24 who are NEET from Benneydale, Waimiha, Ongarue and Te Kuiti. The programme will be delivered to 4 cohorts of 15 rangatahi each (60 in total) over 2 years and will include: tikanga and history of Ngāti Rereahu and Maniapoto, development of personalised Workplace Training Plan, soft and work-readiness skills training, support with developing a healthy lifestyle tools, life skills including management of stress and emotions, as well as CV writing and job application training and support. Participants will also complete a 3-week Health and Safety training, Toi Toi Māori Leadership training, Chemical Handling and Storage training, Grow Safe Basic training, Quad Bike course and Chainsaw course. Work experience will be completed as part of the programme, for which DOC and Kiwi Rail have offered placements. Ongoing pastoral care will be provided for at least 5 months post-programme. The Recipient will liaise with Te Kuiti Community House, a Whanau Ora provider, to provide individualised support to participants as appropriate and according to each individual case.The programme will be delivered from a new training hub in Benenydale at the Mangapeehi Railway Station complex established by Kiwi Rail. Kiwi Rail will also provide co-funding (mostly in-kind) and facilitate training components.