Workforce Matters

The role of our Workforce Development team

The role of our Workforce Development team is to ‘join the dots’ around workforce matters locally.

In 2014, Ōpōtiki stakeholders – government agencies, Iwi, community partners, industry leaders, education providers, and training providers – committed to a co-ordinated, locally-led workforce development approach now called Mahi Ora Ōpōtiki – Workforce Matters. The mission is “together growing good jobs and the workforce”.

The Workforce Development Team has a dedicated workforce team to co-ordinate and support workforce stakeholders, plans, and activities. We work with local Iwi, employers, community, and government stakeholders to implement the Mahi Ora Ōpōtiki plan. We manage the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs Community Resilience Programme, and oversee local Class 1 Driver Licensing initiatives. We support stakeholders to identify gaps and barriers in the workforce and help find solutions around, for example, Class 1 driver licensing, training, and skill development. We awhi employers who are creating job opportunities locally, and help people prepare for, gain, and retain these jobs.

Current Local Job Vacancies and Training Opportunities

We compile information about current local vacancies and training opportunities in fortnightly updates and send these to anyone who joins the subscription list. Some vacancy listings take you to external websites for more information and/or the application process, and others just provide contact details for your follow-up.

We also collate information about training available locally, and co-ordinate a programme of short course entry-level qualifications/licences/certificates frequently in demand by our local industries and sectors.

Go to Local Jobs and Training

Local Workforce Support and Assistance for Jobseekers

On this page you will find information on the local Ōpōtiki organisations and agencies that can assist and support job seekers. That includes if you're seeking work, training, or education, if you want help to get work ready, or would like help finding your pathway to employment.

Go to Support and Assistance

Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs

The Ōpōtiki Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs Programme is a partnership between Councils and the national Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs, supported by the Ministry of Social Development. This is a national initiative to assist employers and job seekers. It offers funding, support and training.

Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs Funding

One initiative through the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs is the availability of funding when local employers take on job seekers who have been unemployed, in insecure employment, or are disadvantaged in the labour market in some way. The funds can be applied to e.g., purchasing PPE or tools, or for important tickets or training. For more information email workforce@odc.govt.nz.