The Government is allocating an extra $36.7 million to redeploy around 400 regional workers who have lost their jobs with a focus on roading projects.
This is on top of the $100m redeployment package announced in March which will fund projects in Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Rotorua and Queenstown.
Work will mostly include safety improvements and maintenance of roads and bridges, footpaths and cycleway construction.
“We need to keep New Zealand businesses going, workers in jobs and regional economies afloat and viable, while at the same time ensuring the health of our country is not compromised,” economic development minister Phil Twyford says.
“Workers throughout New Zealand have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Our aim is to put in place measures to soften the impact on workers and businesses in some of the most affected areas,” Twyford says.
Regional economic development minister Shane Jones says suitable training will also be provided.
“Training can be done pre-employment or on the job and can be delivered by providers or employers,” Jones says.
The package includes:
- Northland – $9.51 million for various local roading projects including roadside and vegetation clearing, maintenance and construction work. About 165 jobs will be created.
- Hawke’s Bay – $15.24 million for various local roading projects, including roadside and vegetation clearing, maintenance and construction work. About 220 jobs will be created.
- Queenstown Lakes – $1.4 million to support local worker redeployment and labour market activity.
- Rotorua – $1.12 million for local roading projects relating to vegetation control. About 25 jobs will be created.
- Ministry for Primary Industries – $6 million to develop and establish a national primary industries workforce package.
- Ministry of Social Development – $3.45 million for training to support workers to take up the redeployment opportunities.
