Greetings from the Editor

Summer and early autumn are traditionally busy times for community groups, agencies and local events organisers, as they come out of summer holiday mode and put programs and events in place to support the community.

The Waimakariri Access Group includes people who identify as having an impairment, disability advisory or advocacy groups, Council staff members and service providers. They support, advocate and advise on disability issues in the Waimakariri. I have recently been working with the Access Group to support Waimakariri District Council staff and elected members to undergo accessibility training.

The needs of our community who live with an impairment are often very specific to the person. It’s a really valuable experience for the leaders in our district to experience what it is like to navigate the local spaces and places for which Council are responsible, in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker; or with a sight impairment. The intent behind the accessibility training initiative is that the firsthand understanding will assist planning for a more accessible District.

Many of you, your clients and friends will have completed your Census recently. Census data is often used by Central Government to inform decisions around resourcing, funding and service provision. For this reason, gathering this data for our communities who don’t have quite as strong a voice, because of language, literacy or other limitations is really important. As I write this in late March, the Census message is that “there is still time” – head online to Census.govt.nz or phone them on 0800 236 787 (0800 Census).

I will leave you with a whakataukī that speaks of working together and collaboration, concepts that are reflected strongly in our district.

Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti ai te mahi!

By black and red together it is done.

Martin

Kia ora koutou

Nō Kai Tahu, nō Kotirana, nō Ingarani ōku tupuna.

Ko Pukekura te maunga

Ko Ōtākou te awa

Ko Takitimu te waka

Ko Kai Tahu te iwi

Ko Ōtākou te marae

Ko Elizabeth Trevathan taku ingoa.

Nō reira, tēnei te mihi ki a koutou katoa.

My name is Elizabeth Trevathan and I have just joined the Community team at Waimakariri District Council as the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Coordinator. I will be working to support NEETS (young people not in education, employment, or training), people living with disabilities and other disadvantaged people into work. Please reach out if you, or anyone you know, need support with seeking employment.

This whakatauki (proverb) encapsulates for me the journey of walking alongside a job seeker and supporting them to reach their goals and I am excited to share the future success stories.

Poipoia te kākano kia puawai

Nurture the seed and it will blossom

I would also love to hear from any employers in need of staff who can offer a supportive environment to our job seekers. The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and successful placements mean the council can provide a wage subsidy for the employer to take on a young person, cover the costs of training (including driver licencing), tool/boot subsidies and other incentives. I have been working with the Ministry of Social Development in Queenstown for the past few years in the employment and training space. In my new role here within Waimakariri District Council I’m looking forward to meeting our job seekers and employers and learning more about the wonderful training providers, NGO’s and social agencies in North Canterbury. In my spare time I can likely be found tramping, running or adventuring in nature. I am excited to explore the region and all it has to offer.

Please feel free to contact me via email elizabeth.trevathan@wmk.govt.nz or phone 0800 965 468.