New Zealand coming through recession but work ahead   5 Oct 2009

Juliette Simm

New Zealand's response to the economic downturn is something to be proud of says the Minister of Social Development and Employment, Paula Bennett, but, she says, there is still plenty of work to be done.

Ms Bennett spoke at a two-day OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-ordination and Development) conference in Paris recently.

NZ News UK spoke to Paula Bennett during her time in London about New Zealand's approach to the rising number of unemployed people, the conference and what she's planning for the future.

nznewsuk - How are you and Work and Income New Zealand dealing with rising numbers of unemployed people?

Bennett - Firstly we're looking to employers. We've got a number of subsidies and tax benefits available to get more jobs coming in, as well as a specific WINZ team (Work and Income New Zealand) focused on building industry partnerships, training workers, basically getting in front of the '8' ball instead of being always behind it. The government itself is hiring groups of adults and youths in community schemes and projects. Although it's minimum wage, it's a starting point and a relief for many families.

We also have a number of infrastructure projects that have so far injected more than $1 billion into the economy by reducing compliance levels for small businesses.

Secondly, we're focusing on a "work first" approach. When workers come through WINZ doors we aim to match them into jobs, before they need a benefit. It's a triage system, and so far we've matched 30% of previously unemployed people with jobs instead of benefits.

We've also got a new initiative running with the Chamber of Commerce. They're working with people who're unemployed for the first time. We're finding these people are highly skilled but don't know how to look for work or how to transfer their skills into a CV and unfortunately they're coming to us when they're desperate, not when they're first made redundant. This needs to change.

nznewsuk - How was the OECD Labour Market and Social Policy Response conference?

Bennett - The conference was fascinating! It was a really honest forum, we got to discuss different schemes and insentives that have and haven't worked. So countries were able to share the good and bad ideas they've worked with. However, New Zealand has a very unique ethnic make-up. This means not all the successful ideas we've learnt about can be used at home. We've got to see what works, then look at whether or not it will work in New Zealand. It's a very different ethnic scene to other countries. All in all though, New Zealand is more than holding it's own, across the board.

nznewsuk - Is there anything new you'll try in New Zealand?

Bennett - One thing I've seen a lot of, especially in the United Kingdom, that id like to see more of in New Zealand is an established forum for involved unions. We need to get employer representatives, education leaders, and government policy makers, together in a room to make sure everyone is on the same page. This will ensure everyone is involved instead of policies being solely a government lead initiative.

nznewsuk - How are you approaching youth unemployment rates?

Bennett - Youth unemployment is a major focus for me, and I was pleased to see it high on the agenda at the conference. Our initiatives in New Zealand are unique in that we've found the traditional method of educating, training, and employing sometimes doesn't work. Because of the social make-up of our country we need to work with the whole family to employ youths. It's a Maori led focus, the importance of Whanau trickling through, and it works.

We have a number of youth schemes and initiatives, and of course my role as the Minister of Youth Affairs has seen me push these even further. It's important to get these things right from the beginning.

nznewsuk - What does the future hold for the job market in New Zealand?

Bennett - The future is bright. As a country we're already feeling the upturn, moods are lifting, people are spending, summer is on its way. There are still skills shortages, particularly in the Health, Education and Aged Care sectors and we want ex-patriots to come home, but they've got to be realistic about the job market. The jobs are there, but they may not be to the same standard as the equivalent in London. On the whole though, I have been proud to show the world what we're doing and achieving as a country, and I'm looking forward to seeing the growth across all industries in the next few months.

 

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