On September 4, the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), local and central government, iwi, business, community and philanthropy groups will explore how people can continue to gain the benefits of a driver’s licence.
“Having a driver licence is important for social and economic success,” MTFJ chair and Otorohanga district mayor Max Baxter says. “A driver licence is more than a legal ticket to drive – it’s a must have for many jobs, as well as a formal means of identity.”
MTFJ is working with a network of New Zealand’s mayors towards the vision of all people aged under 25 being engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities.
There are a number of issues for people trying to get licences, including cost, accessibility and training, which is borne out in stats that show 70 to 90,000 young people face these major barriers to progressing to a full licence,” Baxter adds.
MTFJ has long advocated for the importance of a free universal driver licencing programme for all secondary school students.
This initiative will see MTFJ work with the Todd Foundation, Waikato Tainui, Vodafone Foundation, Ara Taiohi, Downer Group, the Road Transport Forum, Philanthropy New Zealand and central government to share ideas that be used to improve the graduated driver licencing system (GDLS).
“It’s clear that the interest and demand for systems change within the GDLS remains strong, which is evident by the groups, from every walk of life, participating at this hui,” Baxter adds.
“Improving the pathway to obtaining a driver licence is a key step in the journey towards reducing the 88,000 youths not in employment, education or training.”
Baxter also says youths are overrepresented in crashes.
“There’s no one solution to this and other issues, but we’re hoping with everyone pulling in the same direction that we can start developing solutions.”
