Minister of Employment Willie Jackson announced that the New Zealand Government will be providing skills training to Northland youth to help them get jobs in the forestry sector with the support of funding from the Provincial Growth Fund in the Eco Toa program. Eco Toa, meaning Ecological Warrior, is a five-month intensive program for South Hokianga and Kaikohe rangatahi who are not in employment, education or training (NEET). Source: Timberbiz
The program will train Northland youth in pest control, weed eradication, riparian planting and forestry silviculture.
He Poutama Rangatahi will invest more than NZ$400,000 into the Eco Toa initiative which is based in South Hokianga with funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.
“When a region like Northland faces labour demands in the areas of forestry and ecological protection, it makes sense for the Government to roll up its sleeves and make sure local young people are trained and ready for these opportunities,” Minister Jackson said.
“This is a training program that will empower unemployed rangatahi into long-term employment that will have the added benefit of protecting our natural environment.
“What’s more, these young people will be earning while they are learning so they can continue to support themselves and their whānau while going through this program.
“When we support rangatahi into sustained jobs, everybody wins. Rangatahi who go through the Eco Toa program will be ready to take on jobs that will help boost Northland’s economic growth, whilst giving the next generation the tools to protect our environmental taonga.
“This is the PGF at work, investing in young people so they have the skills the Forestry industry in Northland need. We are investing wisely in the region to support young people and support jobs.”
New Zealand Minister for Forestry Shane Jones said that the Coalition Government had been clear since day one about its desire to reinvigorate New Zealand’s forestry industry.
“I’m proud the PGF has been able to support this initiative, which will help ensure the sector has the workforce it needs to meet the One Billion Trees target while providing our rangatahi with skills and a pathway towards a fulfilling career,” Minister Jones said.
