“What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kï atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
Kaha ETuWhānau–strength,valuesandviolence-freewhānau
NapierConnects–tacklinglonelinessamongtheelderly
Help-n-Hand–communitystrengthinPahiatua
Strengthinwords–ayoungwriter’sstory
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTISSUE 26 – MARCH 2014
ISSN 1178-4709 (Print)
ISSN 1178-4717 (Online)
Printed in New Zealand by Blue Star Print Group (NZ) Ltd using
FSC® mix paper from responsible resources, using mineral oil
free, soy-based vegetable inks.
The information provided in this Ministry of Social Development
publication is intended to profile initiatives, research and opinions related
to the social sector, and all reasonable measures have been taken to
ensure that the information set out in this publication is accurate.
However, readers are advised that:
» The Ministry does not implicitly or impliedly endorse the views
presented in this publication unless otherwise stated.
» The information provided does not replace or alter the laws of
New Zealand or any other official guidelines or requirements.
» The contents of this publication should not be construed as legal
advice. Before relying on any information in this publication,
users should independently verify its relevance for their purposes.
Welcome to the March 2014 issue of Rise.
The theme of this issue is kaha – or
strength. Our stories highlight the strength
of people who strive and achieve in the face
of huge challenges, as well as the dedicated
and determined people who support them.
In our cover story, Mäori leaders Darrin
Haimona and Katie Murray talk about
why they’ve dedicated themselves to E Tu
Whänau – a Mäori-led campaign to tackle
family violence, and build strength and
aspirations in whänau and communities.
On page 2, a young writer shares the
words she has dedicated to the people who
fostered and gave her a family when she
couldn’t live with her own parents.
In Napier, the community accepted a
challenge to tackle isolation among its older
people. It was a simple idea, but with many
people and organisations involved, it has
achieved some great results. That story is
on page 10, and it certainly highlights the
importance of connection.
Brendan BoyleChief Executive
This issue of Rise is about kaha or strength
People gain strength from each other.
They thrive and achieve more, and manage
things they couldn’t do alone. The same
is true of communities, organisations and
government agencies too. Tapping into that
collaborative strength is an important focus
for the social sector – especially when it
comes to our vulnerable kids.
I hope you enjoy our stories.
Kia kaha
Brendan Boyle
Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development
Welcome
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014ii
Contents
Cover storyE Tu Whänau Mäori leaders stand up for values, aspirations and strong whänau without violence.
Feature stories Strength in wordsBooks were Nisi Cassidy’s best friends and writing was her escape. Now the 18-year-old, who grew up in state care, is pursuing her passion for creative writing.
Help-n-HandIn rural Pahiatua, social support is all about giving a helping hand.
Tackling loneliness It was pitched as a simple idea to tackle loneliness among the elderly, but the community in Napier caught the ball and ran with it.
Parenting is TOUGH… LOVE is essential TOUGHLOVE has helped parents to love and protect their teenagers for more than 20 years.
All welcome Hotel manager Olivier Laqoua is passionate about his 100 per cent accessible hotel.
New tastes and encountersThe Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is for young people who’ve made good choices in tough circumstances.
Spotlight on WellingtonDowner Construction is investing in Work and Income clients; a sole mum overcomes her challenges and is back in work.
Spotlight on Southern It’s all about new partnerships to do better for young people; plus meet the inspiring Jamie Addison.
Regular columnsRegional round-up
Tips, links and news – check out Rise online and iPad.
4
2
8
10
13
14
16
18
22
2629
2 10
4
Find it on the Apple iTunes App store by searching for Rise magazine.
Read Rise on your iPad
Rise in your inboxWould you like to receive a link to each new online issue of Rise? Email at [email protected]
Rise onlinewww.msd.govt.nz/rise
Contact Rise Drop us a line at [email protected]
Rise on TwitterFor up to the minute information about all the work of the Ministry of Social Development follow us on Twitter @msdgovtnz
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 1
Nisi Cassidy used to get into trouble for filling her school books with poems and stories, so she started buying her own notebooks. Now she has a whole bag of them.
Eighteen-year-old Nisi’s dream is
to become an author, and now she’s
taking the next step towards her
goal. At the Manukau Institute of
Technology’s (MIT’s) Creative Writing
Programme, she’s started the journey
to develop her creative writing skills.
StrayNisi is a survivor. She came into the
care of Child, Youth and Family at a young
age. Over the years, she has dealt with
loneliness, feelings from her past and
growing up in a range of foster homes.
She remembers abuse, but most of the
time she chooses not to. She writes about
a lot of different things, but on her dark
days, most of it is about loneliness.
“I want people to know – people who
have had their dark days and feel like
they’re the only ones – I want them to
know they‘re not.”
Nisi has always found solace in writing
and in reading books. She would stay up
late at night, reading and writing in the
dark. She says she would pick up her pen,
and it would just start to move.
There’s always one character who
remains the same throughout her stories.
“The character is basically me, and I
build a whole parallel universe around that
character,” she says.
Nisi says love and trust doesn’t come
easy to her. For a long time, she stood
by the theory that you can’t trust or love
anyone because they’re just going to leave.
Strength in words
RISE: Issue 26 – March 20142
HomeNisi says when she left her family, she
forgot about her writing for a long time.
That was until she met foster caregiver
Nanny Ethel and her family.
“Nanny Ethel said to me ‘You’re not
alone. You have us now and we won’t
leave you.’ I felt like I was home.”
Nanny Ethel could see a huge
potential in Nisi. She saw how deep her
passion was for writing.
Sadly, Nanny Ethel passed away a
year ago but left behind a huge dream
for Nisi to pursue. She would be proud
to know that Nisi is well on her way to
achieving that dream.
The poems on this page were
submitted as part of Nisi’s application
to MIT.
Nisi says she had run out of
inspiration one day when her social
worker said “Look within yourself; find
a poem about your life.”
Stray is a memory from Nisi’s
childhood, one night outside when she
felt as if no one cared for her.
“I had no jacket or shoes on; I looked
at the sky because I didn’t want anyone
to see me crying. I wanted someone to
want me; I wanted to go home.”
Home is about the people she regards
as her family – her caregivers: “The ones
who took the time for me and cared
about me; the ones who love me.
“These poems are dedicated to
Nanny Ethel, Nanny Annie, Aunty Kimi,
Aunty Georgina, Uncle Mark, Aunty
Emily and my brothers and sisters.”
Strayby Nisi Cassidy
There is a small child
Standing in the rain
With no shoes or jacket
People see her but they walk past
No one cares
Because she is a stray
She tips her head to the sky
And gazes at the stars
They twinkle and glow softly
She wishes to be one of them
She walks
Barefoot on the concrete
Looking at herself in the rain water
She sees herself looking back at her
With lonely eyes
She longs to be held
To be comforted
To be loved
And to be heard
She knows this is impossible
Because she is a stray.
Homeby Nisi Cassidy
I have found me a home
With people who love and care.
I have a family
Who will never leave.
I have loved and lost
But I am loved
And I love in return
I am no longer a stray
I am no longer abandoned
I am no longer without
Because I am home.
CARE FOR KIDS
Caregivers are the heart and home of Child, Youth and Family. They are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference giving a loving home, care and support to children who can’t live with their own families – from a weekend to a home for life.
WEB LINK
Learn more about becoming a foster caregiver at: www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-caregivers/index.html
Or call free phone: 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 3
E Tu Whānau
What is E Tu Whānau? Why do its leaders believe in it?
And why does E Tu Whānau resonate with Māori when it comes
to tackling family violence and strengthening whānau?
RISE: Issue 26 – March 20144
For Darrin Haimona, leading action on family violence issues for Māori was not a matter of choice.
“The family violence statistics for our
people are alarming, and despite many
efforts things have not improved – in fact,
quite the opposite,” Darrin says. “It was time
for us as Mäori to take responsibility for our
own solutions.”
Darrin is Tainui (Ngäti Hauä) and is Chief
Executive Officer of Te Hauora o Ngäti Hauä
Trust of Waharoa (Tainui). He also sits on a
number of other boards.
“E Tu Whänau is a Mäori-led response
to tackle issues of family violence within our
whänau and communities, but it has also
come to mean something much more than
that. It focuses on our strengths as Mäori,
our traditional values and achieving our
aspirations for the future.”
Darrin leads the Mäori Reference Group
that developed E Tu Whänau and advises
the government’s Taskforce for Action on
Violence within Families. He has been on the
reference group since its inception in 2006.
Darrin’s involvement with E Tu Whänau is
about leadership, but it’s also personal.
“Throughout my own life, I witnessed
forms of violence across almost every
aspect of life. It was quite normalised in my
community during my upbringing.
So I was quite challenged when I started
working in the family violence field. I began
to see that a victim of family violence could
be every female that I knew in my life – my
mother, my sisters and aunties – and that the
so-called perpetrators of violence were not
necessarily some evil strangers – they could
be my brother, my father, my uncle.”
The strong belief that everyone has the right
to be safe from violence and fear motivates
and drives Darrin. So too does the knowledge
that E Tu Whänau has been shaped by Mäori
and is grounded in kaupapa Mäori.
Māorivalues andstrengths
“We know from history that family
violence was not a part of traditional Mäori
life – women and children were cherished,
and there were harsh penalties for those
who transgressed against whänau.
Our tikanga kept us safe, and having
that traditional model to return to is a huge
strength.”
The first E Tu Whänau resources were
developed around values that came from
körero about what it is that makes Mäori
strong – such as tikanga (doing things the
right way), aroha (love) and körero awhi
(open, supportive communication). The
resources are designed to be practical and
used in everyday life, with cards, posters,
sayings and ideas for conversation.
These resources carry simple but powerful
messages, such as: “Leave big footprints for
your children to follow” and “Your ancestors
sit on your shoulders to keep your feet on
the ground”.
They have been used in settings such as
prisons, marae and parenting groups to help
people open up, connect to Mäori values
and open doors for change. Feedback is
that the words resonate with Mäori, and the
messages have power.
Māoriowned andoperated
The E Tu Whänau approach and tools
were created with careful thought and
consultation over several years to ensure real
ownership by Mäori.
A leadership summit, held at Hopuhopu
in 2008 and hosted by King Tuheitia and the
Tainui people, was a pivotal point. As Darrin
explains, “It was the first time Mäori leaders
had come together to focus on whänau
violence. The leadership and commitment that
came from this summit gave us the mandate
for E Tu Whänau.”
The summit was followed by 36 hui
around the country to get community
commitment to action and solutions.
“E Tu Whānau is a Māori-led response to tackle issues of family violence within our whānau and communities, but it has also come to mean something much more than that. It focuses on our strengths as Māori, our traditional values and achieving our aspirations for the future.”
Darrin Haimona
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 5
“This korero was massive – the stories of
our people, their voices, their hopes and their
dreams are strongly embedded in E Tu Whänau.
“E Tu Whänau belongs to our people
and reflects what they want to do to create
a different future. It is not just some flash-
in-the-pan idea – it’s real, it’s genuine and
grounded in things Mäori. That gives it a
really strong chance of success.”
PartnershipandtrustIt is also significant that E Tu Whänau
is a partnership between Te Ao Mäori and
government. Darrin says that although E Tu
Whänau is owned and led by Mäori, the
government’s support is important to its success.
Darrin admits that working in partnership
with a government agency can be
challenging for Mäori – and that there was
some initial reluctance to get involved with
a government organisation. However, he
says that the working relationship between
the Mäori Reference Group and the team
at Family and Community Services (FACS) is
built on confidence and respect.
“It has been an interesting and successful
journey,” says Darrin.
Minister for Whänau Ora and Associate
Minister for Social Development, Tariana
Turia, has also supported E Tu Whänau from
the outset.
“Our knowledge and expertise have been
really valued,” says Darrin.
ChangeishappeningDarrin says that the impact of E Tu Whänau
is evident in his own community and others.
“We now talk openly about family
violence; people will stand up to support the
messages, to challenge violence and make
sure everyone knows that it is not okay – our
children know it, our partners know it.
“All sorts of exciting things are happening
around the country – Mäori are grabbing on
to E Tu Whänau because it makes sense to
them – and we are seeing some real clarity
and boldness from our leaders.”
The second Programme of Action for E Tu
Whänau was launched in 2013, building on
the work that had been done since 2006.
“The launch brought together leaders,
practitioners and others from around the
country once again to look at what we had
achieved and where we are going.
“We got validation that we are still on
track and that E Tu Whänau reflects the
needs of our communities.
“And, from that launch, we shaped a
collective view. For me, that makes me feel like
I’m not isolated on some personal mission but
that I‘m part of a shared movement for change.”
KatieMurray– whānaufirst
Katie Murray is Te Rarawa and hails
from Herekino in the Far North. Like Darrin,
Katie has massive family and community
responsibilities but jumped at the chance
to get on board with the Mäori Reference
Group and E Tu Whänau.
“When I found out that E Tu Whänau
is so strongly focused on whänau strength
and positive ways of addressing issues for our
people, that just resonated really well with who
my family is and what we are about,” says Katie.
“E Tu Whänau sums up what our dad
taught us about the strength that our family
has and that when we do things together we
can achieve anything.
We have spent the best part of the
last 20 years trying to bring that sense of
well-being to others in our community.”
In Herekino, Katie heads Waitomo
Papakainga, a whänau trust that undertakes
an array of community development work in
the Kaitaia area.
Among the things Katie and her whänau
have on the go are: a kura for children who
are unable to attend the local high school;
a rugby programme that strengthens fathering
skills; a second-hand shop and the Super Maori
Fullas, the group that formed as a response to
the high levels of family violence experienced
in New Zealand and who have taken a very
public stand against family violence.
The work is challenging and often
involves people in crisis, but Waitomo
Papakainga is committed to helping others
take control of their lives and shape a better
future for themselves.
Solidfoundations, sharedvalues
Katie credits her mum and dad for her
own whänau connection, strength and
positive focus. She says she was lucky to start
life with such a strong foundation.
“There were 11 of us kids. Dad was
a wharfie in Auckland, and we lived in
a Mäori Affairs house – so it wasn’t like
it was easy. Mum and Dad shared the
parenting, and there were no differences
between the brothers and the sisters – how
we were treated, what we were expected
to do. At the time, we didn’t realise how
special this was.”
When Katie and other whänau members
started shifting back to Herekino some years
back, they began to recognise that their
whänau had something that others around
them did not. But back then they couldn’t
quite put a finger on what that was.
“At that time we had no jobs, we had left
work in Auckland to come back home, so we
realised that unemployment wasn’t the sole
barrier to well-being. It wasn’t rural isolation
either (in Herekino we’re 20 kilometres away
from Kaitaia).
“We set about finding ways to share our
whänau strengths with our community.”
Katie’s whänau is also steeped in tikanga
and whakapapa, and for Katie, this is
fundamental.
“We grew up knowing who we are,
where we come from and what is OK or not
OK. My brothers and sisters and I all share
the same values and so that keeps us strong
and connected to each other, to our culture
and to who we are.”
Changinganation–makingadifference
Katie believes in E Tu Whänau and the
hope that it gives Mäori.
“If we can keep connecting with whänau
around the country, drawing them in and
supporting them to be the best that they
can be, providing them with hope and an
alternative vision for their future – then we
will have made a difference.”
RISE: Issue 26 – March 20146
ETuWhānauvalues• Aroha – expression of love/feeling loved
• Whänaungatanga – it’s about being connected to whänau
• Whakapapa – knowing who you are
• Mana/Manaaki – upholding people’s dignity/giving of yourself to others
• Körero awhi – open communication, being supportive
• Tikanga – doing things the right way, according to our values.
E Tu Whānauvision
Whānau are strong, safe and prosperous, living with a clear sense
of identity and cultural integrity, and with control over their destiny –
Te Mana Kaha o te Whānau!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Ann Dysart
04 916 3767 or email [email protected]
Ordering E Tu Whänau resources
www.familyservices.govt.nz/ etuwhanau-resources
WEB LINK
www.etuwhanau.org
Katie MurrayRISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 7
Help-n-HandIn the small, rural town of Pahiatua, a helping hand is the way community support works – especially with the area shaken by earthquakes recently.
Help-n-Hand is the name of the
community organisation that coordinates
the Bush SuperGrans, the Pahiatua
Foodbank, the Pahiatua Free Budget
Service, and the Pahiatua Community
Garden, which supplements the Foodbank.
A no-wrong-door policy means that
whoever turns up needing support or
information will get help.
“People come in asking for all sorts of
things, says 24-year-old Shannon Bell, who
is one of only two full-time employees at
Help-n-Hand.
“They might need clothing or budget
advice or help applying for jobs or writing
a CV. We have a computer that people can
use. Or sometimes they need a referral to
another agency for specialist help.”
Manager Kathy Braddick says the January
20 earthquake which rocked the area has
added a further dimension, with people
showing stress and need from damaged
homes and belongings.
“We’re seeing more people that we
wouldn’t normally see in here, with new
sorts of needs. You just have to try and do
what needs to be done.”
With funding for just two employees,
Kathy says “it’s the endless hours given by our
30 volunteers and a supportive community
that keep our doors open.”
Funding comes from a range of places –
donations from local businesses, churches
and people, community grants, and the
Ministry of Social Development.
“At the moment we’re also lucky enough
to have volunteers from Linton Prison working
in our community garden. That means they’re
learning new skills as well as growing produce
for the Foodbank,” she says.
Help-n-Hand manager Kathy Braddick
RISE: Issue 26 – March 20148
AhandupMany of the volunteers are like Geraldine
Riley, mentoring and sharing their skills with
others. She’s a Bush SuperGran – although
she’s years away from being a grandma.
The 25-year-old mother of two volunteers
her spare time helping an older Pahiatua
resident keep in touch with her grandkids via
cellphone and computer.
“I break everything down and print out
simple instructions on laminated cards,”
says Geraldine. “I’ve gained a lot from her,
too. We learn off each other – about life,
not just about computers, with respect on
both sides.”
Kathy says it’s often about basic life skills.
“The work we do here is about strengthening
people. It’s about offering a hand up, instead
of a hand out.
“Pahiatua is a small rural town with not
a lot of work or training opportunities. If we
can’t provide these services, where could
people turn?
“And it’s all for free – you are never asked
to put your hand in your pocket for any of
our services provided, or anything in our
office. I’m quite adamant about that.”
As well as budgeting, food or advice,
a helping hand can take different forms:
• A scrapbooking club gives local mums
some time out with friends.
• Knitting groups make clothing for local
schools with donated wool.
• Santa turns up at Christmas and there
are free photos and treats for the
town’s children.
• The Brunch Club is a support and cooking
group for young mums.
Eight years ago, the Brunch Club is where
Bush SuperGran Geraldine Riley received
her own hand up as a 17-year-old with a
new baby.
“I was pretty much at home all day with
my baby,” says Geraldine. “I was worried
about coming along, but they were mums
like me, and we could talk about all the
things we wanted. They answered a lot of
questions I had. And we knew it was all
totally confidential – whatever was said in
Brunch Club, stayed in Brunch Club!”
Now she is extending her hand to others
and her confidence has soared.
For Kathy, Shannon and their team of
volunteers, the reward of helping someone
is incredible.
“It feels amazing to help someone
achieve or learn something they want.
That’s why we do it,” says Kathy. “Ask any
of our volunteers. It’s worth more than any
monetary reward.”
SupremeWinnersHelp-n-Hand won the 2013 TrustPower Tararua District Council Supreme Community Award and is in the national finals to be announced later in March.
Shannon Bell
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 9
Tackling lonelinessMost Tuesdays at 10am, a grey-haired posse sets out from a large council-owned retirement village in Napier. They chat as they walk down the street, vibrant in their high-vis vests. The words 'Village Walkers' are stamped in black across their fluoro backs.
“You can’t miss us,” laughs 74-year-old
Maggie Hollis, one of the group’s members.
“We’re becoming quite well known.
We stroll for about an hour, yakking all
the time. We’re all levels of fitness and
health, so we take it slowly.
“It’s very social. We say ‘hello’ to
people we meet on the street, which we
wouldn’t have done before we starting
taking walks together.
“And we take care of each other. If someone
doesn’t turn up as planned for a walk, we go
and see if anything’s wrong.”
The Village Walkers started when one
village resident spoke up at a community
safety meeting. She said she didn’t feel
safe walking to the shops on her own
because she didn’t think anyone would
help her if she fell.
Napier City Council’s Community
Planning Manager Natasha Carswell was at
the meeting.
“Immediately, someone answered ‘I’ll walk
with you’,” says Natasha. “And that was
the beginning of it. Nowadays, this group is
fantastically connected, healthy and happy.
They’re just a delight.”
NapierConnectsThe Village Walkers is one of several
activities that have emerged from an
initiative called Napier Connects – a team
effort by local organisations and individuals
to involve more elderly people in community
and voluntary activities.
Napier Connects was sparked by the
Minister for Senior Citizens, Jo Goodhew,
who called a meeting of community
organisations in Napier in June 2012. She
wanted to challenge the community to
come up with its own ways to reduce social
isolation among older people.
“The Minister was keen to get more
elderly people involved with voluntary
activities. Many already are – they’re our
‘busy bees’ – but there are barriers to others
getting involved,” says Natasha, who also
represents Napier City Council on Napier
Connects. “The Minister asked us to go away
The Village WalkersRISE: Issue 26 – March 201410
and consider the problem and look for ways
to plug the gaps.”
The groups at the meeting got together
and invited other community groups to join
a steering group.
What’smissing?One of the first outcomes of the meeting
was that Age Concern Napier gained some
extra help to go into the community, connect
with over-65s and find out what was missing
and what could help.
Hastings Senior Services Case Manager
Lois Markham joined Age Concern for
five months to develop that project, funded
by the Department of Internal Affairs’
Community Internship Programme.
“I must have spoken to hundreds of
people. I’ve never drunk so many cups of
coffee in my life! I went to all the groups
and programmes that Age Concern runs
and went out with their Accredited Visitors
Service, asking older people what they
thought,” Lois says.
“I also spoke to NGOs, Red Cross, church
groups, etc, about what services they provided
and what they needed from their volunteers.
I got as many connections as I could, collated
all the information and took it to the Napier
Connects steering group.”
Age Concern Napier’s Sarah Potter says
social isolation – or a lack of community
connection – is the single most serious issue
facing older people.
“I would say that 90 per cent of older
people referred to us have a high level of
social isolation and that the remaining 10
per cent experience some element of it.
Our organisation runs almost entirely on
volunteers, so we know the contribution
older people make. We also know that many
older people want to volunteer but don’t
know where to help or how to get there,”
Sarah explains.
“Lois’ work provided us with evidence to
support what the Napier Connects steering
group was doing. It also engaged the
community directly and got people thinking
about the issue,” says Natasha Carswell.
Small initiatives and changes began
to emerge.
Gardenmake-overGarden make-overs were one idea of a
way of not only helping out older people
but also getting neighbours together and
supporting each other. The Napier City
Youth Council, Age Concern Napier and
Neighbourhood Support teamed up to
organise the working bees.
Joan Prowse has always loved and tended
her garden, but with a bad back, arthritis and
Community computer hub
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 11
a husband requiring 24-hour care, her small
garden was getting away on her.
“I can’t pull weeds anymore, and it’s very
frustrating!” Joan says. “It was great to have
people come and do the things I couldn’t do
myself. I think it’s marvellous they’re doing
this for us, and I know of plenty other people
who could benefit too.”
Community computerhub
Age Concern Napier has installed a
community computer hub, a bank of
computers where 'connection' takes on its
21st century meaning.
Pupils from local high schools provide the
training, and BDL Business Developments
maintains the computers, which were
donated by the Napier City Council.
“We’d been getting a lot more requests
for technical help,” says Sarah Potter. “The
family might have given an older member
an iPad or smartphone or laptop, and they
come in asking how to use it. Who better to
teach them than the younger generation?”
asks Sarah. “This is a great way to mix the
generations, so each can see that the other
doesn’t come from another planet!”
KnowledgeBankKnowledge Bank is another project that
shares the skills of different generations and
community groups.
Age Concern and the YMCA are linking
younger people who want to learn with older
people who want to share a practical skill
such as knitting, carpentry, sewing or baking.
“Napier Connects is about connecting
resources, and the Knowledge Bank about
older people sharing skill resources with
younger people,” says Sarah.
PolytechmentorsRon Rowe, a member of the local RSA,
was also at the Minister’s start-up meeting
for Napier Connects back in June 2012.
He thought about all the talented over-
65s he knew and about all the young people
he’d taught at the Hawke’s Bay Eastern
Institute of Technology (EIT) who could have
benefited from those years of experience.
“There is a huge age range of people
at technical institutes. While some are
WEB LINKS
Napier Connects: www.volunteeringhb.org.nz/napier-connects/index.htm
Age Concern: www.ageconcern.org.nz
Senior Services: www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/seniorcitizens/index.html
Volunteering: www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/seniorcitizens/community/volunteering.html
up-skilling mid-life, others are straight out
of school or are international students who
could use a friendly ear,” he explains.
After holding a workshop to discuss what
mentoring meant – “It’s not coaching and
it’s not counselling, but it can be a bit of
both” – Ron ended up with 10 mentors.
Staff at the EIT carefully match mentors
with appropriate mentees. The fields of
expertise range from the trades to the arts
to Te Reo.
“It has been really successful. For an
older person, a retired person, mentoring
is enormously satisfying. These people are
using their skills and really helping someone.
“The people who mentor aren’t usually
socially isolated, but someone who is might
hear about what they’re doing and think,
‘Hey, I could do that. I’ve got something
to offer, too’. That might be the thing that
helps them get out of the house.”
EIT has also seen the value in the
mentoring and is picking up the project itself
next year. And that, says Ron, is the general
idea for Napier Connects: getting projects off
the ground to the point where others pick
them up, and they take on a life of their own.
VillageWalkersThat’s much like the Village Walkers,
who were initially supported by the Napier
City Council.
“We didn’t have to do much though,”
says Natasha Carswell. “I put on some
morning teas, got them the high-vis vests
and basically was just there as support.”
Not content with taking weekly walks,
Village Walkers’ meetings now extend to
meals out, musical evenings at each other’s
houses and many other social opportunities.
“Because of the Village Walkers, we’ve
unearthed so much talent in our village,”
says Maggie Hollis. “We’ve got retired
musicians, award-winning photographers,
keen dancers, gardeners – we’d never have
got together and found out so much about
each other without the Village Walkers.”
ConnectionThe groups associated with Napier
Connects have also gained strength from
better relationships.
“We might have been well connected
before, but we’re really connected now,”
says Age Concern Napier’s Sarah Potter.
“If we have a problem, because we’ve
worked so closely with other groups, we
know who to pick up the phone and call.”
Hastings Senior Services Case Manager
Lois Markham says the months spent
interviewing older people were invaluable.
“I understand how truly vulnerable my
clients are. I know who to call on if I can’t
solve a client’s problem because I’ve met
them now. I’m better placed to ask for help
and get it.”
“With Napier Connects, people know
it’s okay to offer to help,” says Napier City
Council’s Natasha Carswell. “The great
thing is that people here have really started
talking about how we improve community
connection.”
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201412
West Auckland mum Annmarie had
always looked forward to her daughter’s
teenage years.
“But once she reached them, she
became impossible; lying, hanging out
with unsuitable friends, avoiding school
and staying away from home for nights
at a time. When she did put in an
appearance, she would treat the house
like a dump and behave rudely and
defiantly. It was a terrible time for
our whole family,” Annmarie recalls.
“I was desperate. But when a friend
suggested I contact TOUGHLOVE, I held
off for two whole years, believing that,
as a parent, I should be able to handle
the situation without help from a bunch
of strangers.
“What changed my mind was when
Emma ran away for two weeks, and I
had absolutely no idea where she was.
Even when she returned, I was afraid
that my much-loved daughter would
end up dead if I didn’t get help.”
When Annmarie took the plunge and
went to her first TOUGHLOVE parent
support group meeting, it started a
process that would turn her whole
family’s life around.
“At TOUGHLOVE, I was surrounded
by people who had been through the
same worry and heartache but had come
out stronger, more capable and more
self-confident. From them, I learned that
I had to put boundaries in place, stop making
empty threats and stay consistent.
“When Emma disappeared again, I
went to the homes of all her friends and
knocked on the door to see if she was
visiting. I was determined to know where
she was spending her time and who she was
spending it with. Without TOUGHLOVE’s
support, I doubt I’d have had the gall
to do this.”
Emma, now in her 20s, is a mother herself
and has put her wayward teen years behind
her. But Annmarie still attends a regular
TOUGHLOVE parent support group, helping
others cope with the trauma of their teenage
children’s unacceptable behaviour.
TOUGHLOVE has been running weekly
support groups since the 1980s, assisting
demoralised parents of teenagers across
New Zealand.
Auckland support group facilitator
Peter Altmann says it’s a mistake to assume
that unacceptable teenage behaviour is
only found in less affluent areas.
“Our experience is that it affects every
section of the community equally,” he says.
“These parents will usually be experiencing
a massive loss of confidence, as well as
shame, grief, worry and embarrassment.
It puts a huge strain on relationships.
“When they first approach us, most
parents are looking for a quick fix. Along
with helplessness and hopelessness,
there’s often a deep-seated anger that
their teen hasn’t turned into the person
they’d hoped for.
“At TOUGHLOVE, we stress that there
are no quick fixes. Parents, just as much
as their children, may need to change
their behaviour. Typically, parents need
to step back a bit from confrontation
and stop getting angry.
“There’s a widespread misconception
that TOUGHLOVE stands for a harsh and
punitive approach to dealing with out-of-
control teens. That’s simply not our position.
“Instead, we stress that teenagers
need a clear sense of structure, boundaries
and consequences. Our name reflects the
realisation that parenting is a tough job
and that love is an essential part of it.”
TOUGHLOVE TOUGHLOVE is Child, Youth and Family accredited, with most parents approaching the organisation through word of mouth or via referrals from social agencies, teachers, doctors, counsellors and other professionals.
Parent support groups meet on weekday evenings. Participation is confidential. Newcomers pay a one-off joining fee of $40, with a gold coin contribution for subsequent sessions.
WEB LINK
www.toughlove.org.nz
TOUGH... LOVEParenting is
is essential“At TOUGHLOVE, I was surrounded by people who had been through the same worry and heartache but had come out stronger, more capable and more self-confident.”
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 13
All welcomeBeing an accessible hotel takes more than just a sticker on the door, says CQ Comfort and Quality Hotels Accommodation Wellington (CQ Hotels) General Manager Olivier Lacoua.
It means that all guests with disabilities
can be confident they’ll be comfortable
and welcome. “You can put a wheelchair
on the ground and go anywhere,”
says Olivier.
CQ Hotels – located in the capital’s
Cuba Quarter, which provides the origin
for the name CQ – is one success story
of the Be. Welcome Programme, run by
Be. Accessible.
Be. Accessible works to create a more
inclusive and accessible society by running
programmes that promote the accessibility
message and educate people about
accessibility and why it is good for everyone.
“At least 20 per cent of New Zealanders
have some sort of impairment that means
many buildings and experiences aren’t
accessible to them,” says Megan Barclay.
Megan directs the Be. Welcome programme,
which advises New Zealand businesses
on how they can make themselves more
accessible for people with impairments or
access needs.
“That’s not just people with mobility
issues; it’s also those with sensory, cognitive
and learning challenges,” Megan says.
“These people find themselves excluded
from employment, education and businesses
and services that are all designed to
accommodate the other 80 per cent of
the population. We want to change that.
Be. Accessible wants to create a New Zealand
with a truly inclusive society that’s a role
model across the world. But to do this, we
need to change people’s attitudes through
our programmes, such as Be. Welcome.
“At the moment, when you talk to some
business people about accessibility, their
eyes glaze over, and they just don’t see it
as an issue. But that’s because they don’t
understand what the issues are and how
easily they can be fixed.”
Be.WelcomeatCQOlivier Lacoua is one person who does
understand, and he sees accessibility as an
issue, which is why he signed up for the
Be. Welcome programme.
“When I came here three years ago,
I was impressed that the hotel has nine fully
accessible rooms. Since then, we’ve done a
lot more to improve accessibility for various
types of impairments – and it’s not just about
people in wheelchairs. For example, we’ve
also made several improvements for people
with hearing or vision impairments, too.”
As part of its accessible approach,
CQ Hotels’ food and beverage menu is
in Braille, and its website is geared to the
accessibility market, providing a virtual tour of
the hotel, even down to providing the exact
dimensions of bedrooms and bathrooms.
“People with disabilities have to research
and plan their travel a lot more carefully, and
a lot of them are too scared to travel because
they’re worried about not being comfortable
or being a nuisance,” says Olivier. “I don’t
want our visitors to feel that way, so we’re
always thinking about how we can make our
hotels even more accessible.”
Olivier says it’s not just about people
with disabilities; it’s also about being aware
of the older generation and parents with
young children.
AccessibilitydrawcardThe word is out that CQ Hotels offer good
accommodation for people with disabilities.
“A few months ago, Deaf Aotearoa
gave a dinner for 100 people here, and the
reason they came here was because a dozen
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 RISE: Issue 26 – March 201414
WEB LINKS
Be. Accessible
Be. Accessible is a social change initiative that aims to make New Zealand more accessible for everyone.
It supports organisations and businesses to become more accessible for customers and create meaningful opportunities for employees with disabilities, as well as developing the leadership potential of people with disabilities.
Learn more by visiting:
www.beaccessible.org.nz
or so of our staff know New Zealand Sign
Language,” says Olivier.
Supporting staff to learn to sign is one
example of the ongoing training CQ Hotels
provide to ensure that their staff understand
people’s needs.
“Our staff can mostly only sign the basics,
but it means that people with hearing
impairments can feel more confident about
being understood here. We are the first
hotel to train our staff in sign language, and
I’m really proud of that,” Olivier says.
To ensure CQ Hotels staff learn the right
ways to approach someone with access
needs, they have undergone training via
Be. Accessible’s Be. Confident programme,
and the hotels hold re-induction sessions
each year, updating staff on accessibility
issues and improvements.
PartnershipsvitalFor Olivier, accessibility is about working
with partners too, such as Arts Access
Aotearoa. Olivier sponsors the CQ Hotels
Wellington Community Partnership Award
at the Arts Access Aotearoa 'Big A' awards
each year.
In the hotels’ atrium is suspended a large
and striking installation by a local artist, who
happens to have an intellectual impairment.
“I really liked his work, so I met him and
asked him to create something for me to fit
the space,” Olivier explains.
“We have also had brainstorming
sessions with people with various
disabilities, asking what they see as
problems. Next we’re working on installing
steps to make our pool and spa more
accessible,” he says.
There’s also been a conscious effort
to hire staff members with disabilities.
In France, where Olivier is from, by law,
companies must hire one person with
a disability for every 20 employees,
and Olivier would like to see such a law
introduced here.
He’s setting a fine example, working
with Emerge Supported Employment Trust
(Emerge) to source suitable staff.
“At the moment we have a young man
who works only three hours a week, but it
means he has a job, a badge and a uniform
and is part of a team. Working here has been
fantastic for his confidence, and it sends a
message to the team that we’re serious.”
Olivier Lacoua signs “congratulations” to Rachael Cappage of the Deaf Arts Network for winning a Big “A” community partnership award.
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 15
New tastes and encountersAward-winning restaurateur Steve Logan is explaining his menu – but not to his typical clientele.
The 25 hungry teenagers are in
Wellington for a big day out, including
spending behind-the-scenes time with
the Royal New Zealand Ballet and a
three-course lunch at Logan Brown
restaurant.
“One of the entrees is gravadlax – that’s
salmon that’s been cured in vodka,” Steve
says. The mention of vodka gathers a few
guffaws from the largely under-age group.
“It won’t have any effect!” he adds.
“The beef, a bavette, is a long, flat cut of
flank steak that, in the old days, the butcher
would have taken home for himself. It’s
usually served rare – I hope that’s okay.”
A few doubtful looks, but the beef still
proves a popular lunch choice.
The 25 young people are part of the 2014
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which
is run annually for 100 outstanding young
Aucklanders.
The young people are nominated by
schools, Police or social workers for their
determination to make good choices and do
well, often in challenging circumstances. They
spend five days packed with new experiences
and meeting high-achieving Kiwis. It’s fun,
challenging and aims to open their eyes to
new opportunities – maybe even a new career.
“That’s certainly what I’m aiming for,”
says the man responsible for this group, Peter
Sykes of the Mangere East Family Service
Centre. “It’s about taking them out of their
comfort zone. For my group, that starts with
getting them on a plane and heading to
Wellington for the day. For a lot of them, it’s
their first time on a plane. I aim to expose
them to different experiences that might get
them thinking in a different way.”
After arriving in a rainy Wellington, the
group tours the Weta Cave in Miramar –
the mini-museum, shop and theatrette that
explains the creativity behind the award-
winning creative design company Weta
Steve Logan and youth programme participants
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201416
Workshop and a highlight for many Youth
Programme visitors.
Next, a visit to the Royal New Zealand Ballet
to meet the dancers and watch final rehearsals
for their upcoming United States tour.
Then, lunch at Wellington’s renowned
Logan Brown, amid linen napkins, elegant
tall wine glasses and multiple sets of knives
and forks.
“Start on the outside and work in,”
advises Bianca Fallon, one of the group
leaders. “It’s the same around the world, so
if you learn how to use the cutlery here, you
can eat anywhere.”
Between courses, Steve Logan takes
smaller groups for a tour of the restaurant’s
busy kitchens. He’s happy to spend time with
the young people, answering questions and
pointing out aspects he hopes will interest them.
And while their meal has a usual price
tag of $45 per person, Steve has heavily
subsidised the group’s fare. It’s the second
year in a row that Logan Brown restaurant
has hosted a Prime Minister’s Youth
Programme group for lunch.
“They’re great kids,” Steve says. “I
enjoy having them in. Hospitality is a social
business, and it’s part of our values as a
PRIME MINISTER'S YOUTH PROGRAMME
The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is run annually by the Ministry of Youth Development and four Auckland youth organisations. It fosters and celebrates achievement for young people from Auckland aged 14 to 17 years, who are facing and managing challenges in their lives.
WEB LINK
www.myd.govt.nz/pms-youth-programme
restaurant to play a part in the community.
We’ve got an awesome resource here, and
we love using it to help people.
“I get a real kick out of getting them to try
something they’ve never tried or seen before.”
Aone is an 18-year-old from Manukau
with an ambition to be an audio engineer.
He stood out in last year’s programme and
was invited back as a youth leader.
“I have the privilege to do it again; to give
some leadership to these guys,” he says as
he cleans up his tablemates’ plates.
“We can connect with new people and
experience new things. It’s good to get out
of your comfort zone instead of kicking
around in the hood.”
Fifteen-year old Mere appreciates not
sitting in a classroom 'being talked to'.
“I didn’t know it would be like this.
It’s mind-blowing,” she says. And the
Auckland experiences are still to come,
including a make-over and a fashion shoot.
Veronica, 18, from Mangere, is starting
a double major in anthropology and
criminology at The University of Auckland
this year and plans to join the Police.
“I’m not an outgoing person. This is a
good way for us to socialise with new people,
build up confidence and to try new things.”
Seventeen-year-old Jane (not her real
name) is in her final year of school and says
coming on the programme is a huge change
for her.
“This is very cool. We’re very lucky. It’s a
way of appreciating how far we’ve come and
what we’ve overcome.”
Steve Logan and youth programme participants
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 17
We were keen to work alongside Visionstream, fostering young people into sustainable careers.”
Spotlight on Wellington
“To be back in work is wonderful. I feel like I really have a career here.”
Alicia Rangi and Cheyenne Eriha
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201418
Key facts
WellingtonA future with Downer
There’s a lot more to Alicia Rangi’s
new job than digging holes, and the
24-year-old says she loves every bit
of it – including the holes!
Alicia, along with Cheyenne Eriha and
Nathan Masters, is among 27 Work and
Income clients from the Wellington region
who began working with Downer last year.
All gained their opportunity thanks to a
training programme created by the company
and Work and Income to help jobseekers get
a foot in the door.
“I love digging holes! And there is so much
more to the job,” says Alicia with a smile.“
After not working, this has made me feel
better. Downer really cares about us, and it’s
exciting to be part of the company.”
Downer Construction is an international
infrastructure company with its origins in
New Zealand.
Peter Cosgrove, Downer’s Contract
Manager, says that Downer knows the value
of a quality workforce and needs people
who are willing to 'stand up, turn up and
front up'.
“We understand completely that we
need to invest in our new people, so we
developed the Downer Basic Civil Training
programme in conjunction with Work and
Income. We did this initially to address
some serious staff shortages in Christchurch
post-earthquake, but we have now spread
it nationwide.”
In Wellington, the programme features
an initial two-week intensive introduction to
the industry for 10 people at a time.
Following the introductory course,
Downer offers work to those with the right
attitude and aptitude. The newcomers are
carefully mentored during their first few
months on the job.
Work and Income Employer Services
Account Manager, Jamie Kissock is currently
working with Downer to develop further
employment opportunities for clients. Jamie
says that Work and Income needs committed
employer partners to move people from
benefit to work.
“The relationship with Downer is
outstandingly successful,” says Jamie.
Work and Income invests a certain
amount in each trainee through its Skills for
Industry Fund, but the training is otherwise
paid for by Downer.
“Downer knows that if it invests in our
clients upfront, it will gain and keep valuable
employees. The training provided by
Downer is well thought out and continues
into employment. At every level, it is well
structured and very effective. Any employer
would do well to emulate Downer’s
approach,” says Jamie.
For new employee Nathan Masters, a
monthly meeting with his Upper Hutt case
manager Lynda Jenkins and work broker
Deborah Kenny led to his referral to Downer.
“To be back in work is wonderful. I feel
like I really have a career here.”
Work broker Deborah Kenny say working
with Downer means that jobseekers can look
forward to a fulfilling vocation and a better
future for themselves and their families.
Another new employee and former client
Cheyenne Eriha says she’s wanted a job in
construction since she was 15 years old.
“It’s my dream job. The course was really
good. I recommend it to anyone.”
Peter Cosgrove says the construction
industry will always require good workers.
“Cheyenne, Alicia and Nathan all have
long-term futures with Downer. They can all
progress into more senior roles.”
Partnerships
between Work and Income and employers exist in important industries such as construction, hospitality, retail and security, but Work and income is keen to work with all employers.
159 jobseekers
in Wellington gained work as a result of industry partnerships in 2013.
Employers
can save time and money with skilled work brokers doing the leg-work to match suitable candidates to vacancies.
Work brokers
can help employers find staff throughout New Zealand. Free phone 0800 778 008.
WEB LINKS
Employer Services
www.workandincome.govt.nz/business
Looking for work
www.workandincome.govt.nz/looking-for-work
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 19
KathrineandKaren
When Kathrine smiles across the
counter at a customer, it’s hard to
imagine that she struggled even to
make eye contact the first time she
met Karen last year.
Karen Murphy, a work-focused
case manager at Work and Income in
Porirua, saw Kathrine shrink into her
hoodie as she approached.
Depression, anxiety and complex
issues at home had forced Kathrine
to leave her job in 2008, and for
five years, she’d supported her two
children on a sole-parent benefit.
With her support worker next to
her, Kathrine mumbled and cried her
way through much of the meeting,
anxious about the situation she was in
and unsure of how to move forward.
As a work-focused case manager,
Karen works closely with people who
are struggling to get back into work
and are at risk of staying on benefit
without extra help. The intensive,
personal support of work-focused
case management is aimed at people
who face more challenges than other
people. It’s a new way of working for
Work and Income, but the practical,
problem-solving approach is getting
results for many longer-term clients.
Karen and Kathrine talked about
Kathrine’s hopes for the future and
what could help Kathrine to get there.
They agreed to meet again in three
weeks’ time when Kathrine had done
some thinking about what she wanted
from her life.
At Kathrine’s second meeting, she
left her support worker waiting at
reception while she and Karen talked.
Since the last meeting, Kathrine
had been thinking about her goals
and situation. She wanted to be
independent and working, but things
were holding her back. Together,
Karen and Kathrine started to focus on
the specific barriers that were stopping
Kathrine from finding a full-time job.
Spotlight on Wellington
They agreed that a retail training
course would boost Karen’s skills and –
importantly – her confidence to gain the
work she wanted. There was also the
issue of clothing. Karen had little in her
wardrobe suitable for a professional work
environment and no money to buy new
clothes. She was also worried about how
she’d cope if she did get a job.
Karen suggested a grant to help with
the clothing issue and discussed options
for ongoing community support when
Kathrine found work after her training
course.
By the time Kathrine and Karen
met again, Kathrine had successfully
completed training and had started
jobseeking. There wasn’t a support
worker in sight.
The day before this meeting, Kathrine
had cold called 19 local retail outlets and
applied for seven jobs online. A few days
later, she was called in to attend her first
interview in more than five years.
Kathrine phoned Karen shortly after
– not only to cancel her benefit, but to
share her success.
She’d been offered a job and wanted
Karen to be the first person to know.
“Kathrine is a star,” says Karen.
“She’s an inspiration to her children and
someone whose success inspires me to
help more of our clients.”
Karen Murphy and Kathrine
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201420
Karen Murphy and Kathrine
StickingwithBreannah
When you’re 19 and have tried
for months to find work since
leaving school, a little extra help,
a determined trainer and an
understanding employer can make
all the difference.
When Breannah Salmon’s Work and
Income case manager told her about a
training programme that could help her
gain skills to find work, Breannah seized
the opportunity.
Tree House is a Wellington-based
training provider contracted by Work
and Income to work with clients who
need help to get a foot in the door of
the job market.
Breannah signed up for a 13-week
front-of-house hospitality course.
“It’s pretty competitive out there
finding work,” says Tree House
manager Simon Doherty. “We make
sure our trainees are as well-equipped
as we can make them, so that when an
opportunity arises, they can step up to
the mark.
“We stay well informed about what
employers want and need. There is a real
range of hospitality venues out there, all
different, all run by different people and
requiring specific skill sets.”
Often trainees move straight from the
course into employment. But although
Breannah loved the Tree House course,
gained an array of life skills and all the
hospitality skills she needed for her
first job, something was missing. She
lacked confidence in her abilities, and
this showed through to prospective
employers.
Tree House was not about to
abandon her, however.
“We stayed in touch and on the
case,” says Simon. “She was certainly
employable and not far from being able
to take up a job.”
That’s where the Featherston Bar and
Grill came in.
“Although the Featherston is a
very busy venue and needs staff with
experience, I recommended Breannah
because of her passion, positivity and
drive,” says Simon.
Featherston Bar and Grill Manager
Kapua Hollings had once been a Tree
House student himself. When Simon
recommended Breannah for a front-of-
house position, Kapua was prepared to
give her a chance.
“I knew what it was like to be a
trainee at Tree House, and I knew that
someone referred by Simon would be
worth considering, and I haven’t been
disappointed. I admire Breannah; she
was nervous and doubted herself to
start with, but her personality has shown
through.
“I needed someone who would
pitch in, take initiative and keep going
when we were particularly busy, which
we often are. I try to hire enthusiastic
people, who are willing to learn and
follow directions. I can teach you the
trade but not how to work hard – you
have to have the attitude,” he says.
Breannah is very enthusiastic about
her new job. “I was a bit worried at
first. I felt like I was getting in the deep
end, but they were there when I needed
them. I am getting the confidence I need
to for the rest of my career.”
For Kapua at the Featherston Bar and
Grill, Tree House and Work and Income,
it has been the start of a good working
relationship.
“I have been happy to take on
other Tree House trainees. The process
between Work and Income, Tree House
and ourselves works. People are getting
jobs, and we are getting good staff,”
Kapua says.
Spotlight on Wellington
Employer Kapua Hollings with Breannah Salmon
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 21
We were keen to work alongside Visionstream, fostering young people into sustainable careers.”
Spotlight on Southern
“We are really failing our young people. As a community,we need to take a different, more coordinated and collaborative approach.”
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201422
SouthernTrying new things in South Dunedin
Key factsYoung people
make up a high proportion of Dunedin City’s population. Around one-quarter of the city’s population (or more than 30,000 people) are aged 12 to 24 years.
Youth unemployment
saw more than 1,500 people aged between 18 and 24 years in Dunedin receiving a benefit at the end of 2013. That’s nearly one in five of all working-aged people in the city.
South Dunedin Social Sector Trial
aims to increase attendance at school, reduce youth offending, and alcohol and drug use, and support more young people to be in education, training and employment.
The South Dunedin community has come together with a plan of action that gets to the heart of the issues its young people face.
The Youth Action Plan aims to increase
attendance at school, reduce youth
offending and alcohol and drug use, and
increase engagement in education, training
and employment.
It’s a trial to see if it’s possible to get better
results for young people when community
and government social services team up and
work differently together.
“Working with young people and the
community to help our young people do better
in education and life is at the heart of this social
sector trial,” says Mary-Ann McKibben, South
Dunedin Social Sector Trial Manager.
“Unemployment is one of the biggest
issues facing young people in Dunedin,” says
Mary-Ann.
“The city has one of the largest rates
of youth unemployment in the country,
which often takes people by surprise.
We are really failing our young people. As a
community, we need to take a different, more
coordinated and collaborative approach.”
The South Dunedin Social Sector Trial
began in July 2013.
The first step was to consult with young
people, the community and social services,
taking stock of the big issues, what is already
happening to support young people and
where the gaps are.
“There are already some great
programmes in the community. The trial’s
job is to add value to those programmes and
develop other programmes where there’s a
need,” Mary-Ann says.
New programmes range from setting up
a youth employment hub in South Dunedin
to targeting school leavers who need extra
support to find their path in life.
“It’s important to have aspirational goals:
the youth employment hub, if we succeed in
gaining funding and community backing, will
be a place for young people to get support
to find work and to stay in work,” Mary-Ann
explains.
The community consultation also
highlighted the need for more support for
16- to 18-year-olds transitioning from school
to work. The result is an initiative called
Moving Forward.
“It’s more than just developing interview
skills and CVs. Moving Forward will prepare
these young people mentally and physically
and get them involved in work experience to
give them real-life understanding of what it
means to be in work.”
Most programmes involve teamwork
between government and non-government
agencies and the community. Mary-Ann
lists some of the other programmes that are
being developed:
“We’re setting up a flexible system of
support for teen parents to keep them in
education. We’re setting up more marae-
based interventions to address youth
offending. We’re working on ways to
promote messages about alcohol and
drugs, both for parents and for teenagers.
We would also really love to see agencies
working together to create more free and
low cost activities for young people in South
Dunedin.”
Mary-Ann is passionate about leading the
trial to success:
“While South Dunedin is the focus of the
trial, the initiatives will ultimately benefit
young people across the whole city.”
WEB LINKS
www.facebook.com/SDSST
www.msd.govt.nz/social-sector-trials
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 23
Spotlight on Southern
Newideastofightyouthunemployment
Seeing UK businesses, communities
and government tackling youth
unemployment together has shown
Emma Hamilton some exciting
possibilities for the Southern region.
Emma, the Southern Regional Labour
Market Manager for Work and Income,
recently returned from 12 weeks
working with the UK Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP). Much like
Work and Income, DWP is the United
Kingdom government agency that
works with the unemployed.
“High youth unemployment is a big
issue in the UK. But what struck me
was the way that the community took
ownership and worked with DWP to
support job seekers,” says Emma.
“Businesses are also fronting up and
taking responsibility to support people
into work. It was nothing short of
inspiring.”
For example, in the Generation
Talent initiative, businesses advertise all
new jobs with DWP, and also fund and
run events to connect employers and
jobseekers for open discussions.
“It breaks down barriers to young
jobseekers securing work by creating an
understanding of both parties’ needs,”
Emma explains. “The collaboration
between government and businesses
that I witnessed made a huge difference.
“Many businesses and organisations
have a corporate social responsibility
charter that outlines their commitment
to addressing community issues.
Staff are also encouraged to do some
volunteering.”
The Community 10,000 initiative
sees all DWP staff, regardless of their
role, volunteering to work for a day at
a charity that has strong links to DWP’s
customers or communities. Feedback
from the thousands of volunteers has
been extremely positive.
“It helps staff get a first-hand
understanding of their clients’ needs,”
Emma says. “In fact, I had the privilege
of volunteering at The House of St
Barnabas, which helps homeless people
upskill and find work in the hospitality
industry.
“Along with helping such a worthy
charity, one of the highlights of that day
was enjoying my lunch in the courtyard
of The House of St Barnabas, which
Charles Dickens wrote about in his novel
A Tale of Two Cities.”
Applying her overseas experience in
New Zealand is Emma’s next goal. She
wants to enlist supportive employers
into a scheme that not only helps young
people into work but openly shows the
community that the employer is doing
their bit.
“Employers committed to helping
young people in the UK are publicly
celebrated and acknowledged. They
can display a badge that highlights their
social commitment and the contribution
that they make to the community by
tackling youth unemployment. It has
made me think about how we can
work more collaboratively with our own
communities and businesses here in
New Zealand.
“Also, how do we as a community
help young people in a tight labour
market to upskill so that they are
employable when jobs are available?”
In the UK, local government really
drive the employment message, and
Emma has identified this as an area to
strengthen.
“I’m really looking forward to working
with the Southern mayors and the
community agencies that supported my
study award application to go to the UK.
As clichéd as it might sound, it’s absolutely
all about working together.”
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201424
Jamie’soho
When Jamie Addison looks
in the mirror, he sees more than
just his tattooed face. His moko
reveals his Mäori heritage and
all that has supported him along
his journey.
The 37-year-old, of Ngäti Porou
descent, says he has been to hell and
back. But he has left behind a life of
hard drugs and alcohol addiction,
gang affiliations and prison.
“I was brought up in a violent
drug and alcohol culture. I was
always trying to fit in.”
Crunch time came when
Jamie was arrested to curb his
aggressive behaviour.
“I was all alone in a prison cell,
separated from my wife and kids,
and coming down off the drugs
when I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment.
“I realised that my family meant
more to me than anything. I had
to figure out what I could do –
otherwise I was going to end up
dead or alone.”
Seven years after what Jamie
describes as his oho (awakening),
he’s turned his life around and his
family have stuck by him.
The 20 years he spent on benefits
are over, too. Today, Jamie works as
an addiction counsellor at Dunedin’s
Moana House, helping adult male
offenders change their lives.
It’s where he spent 18 months
in an addiction programme. Now,
he says, it’s his turn to give back.
After graduating from the
Moana House programme, Jamie
gained a National Certificate in
Mental Health and a Diploma in
Applied Addictions. This year, he’s
still studying.
His enthusiasm is rubbing off.
His wife has gained a National
Certificate in Mental Health and
Addiction and begins a degree
this year. His sister has graduated from an
addiction programme.
Jamie says coming off drugs was one of
the hardest things he’s ever done.
“I had seizures, nightmares, flashbacks.
I wanted to leave and say ‘stuff you all’.
“But I had to prove to my wife and
family that I really did love them and that I
could be a positive role model.”
Jamie also underwent 18 treatment
sessions to remove his full facial gang
tattoo, supported by the former PATHS
employment programme.
At the time, Sue Gale and Joan Sorensen
both worked on PATHS, helping Work
and Income clients access treatments that
would enable them to get back into work.
Sue is now regional health adviser for
Work and Income, but she remembers
Jamie. She was there for every treatment.
“I’ve never seen such determination to
endure such pain in order to achieve, both
on a physical and an emotional level.”
Joan, now a Work and Income
employment coordinator, says
“I’ve never come across anybody who’s
had the journey he’s had, come out the
other side and achieved what he has.
He leaves me lost for words. He’s even
brought me to tears.”
Jamie’s Mäori heritage was also a big
part of his turnaround. “I look in the mirror,
and what I see now is myself looking back
at me. But I also see those who I want to be
proud of me, and they are proud of me.”
Spotlight on Southern
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 25
Regionalround-up
Southern Ready, Steady, Work: The goal of zero unemployment for youth in Balclutha is a lot closer to being realised
thanks to the Ready, Steady, Work programme. Under the umbrella of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs,
the programme has assisted 25 youth to develop skills and plans to help them look for work. So far, 18
of the young people have taken up work positions as a result of the programme.
Partnership: Work and Income are working with the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) to encourage
young people into hospitality careers. ILT has a well-established, on-the-job trainee management
programme, offering up to four opportunities at any one time for suitable young candidates to
forge a career in hospitality management.
Children’s Day: A fun event for Dunedin children in care was held at a local school on Sunday 2 March.
Canterbury Recruiting retirement staff: Work and Income in Canterbury are working closely with the Terrace
View Retirement Village in Ashburton. Since it opened in late 2013, the home has employed several
local people, with help from a Work and Income work broker who supports the owner in recruiting
staff. The new staff receive on-the-job training.
Celebrate Aranui: Work and Income staff supported the recent AFFIRM community event in Aranui,
one of the areas hit hardest by the 2010/11 earthquakes. Staff highlighted employment services and
the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV) programme for youth. Many young people approached the stand
intrigued by the full-sized dummy dressed in Army uniform.
Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Training cellarhands: The Marlborough Cellarhand Training Programme shows how central government,
tertiary educators and industry can work together to create opportunities and fill skill shortages. Work
and Income screens and refers suitable clients to the programme. The Nelson Marlborough Institute
of Technology provides practical and theory tutoring and oversees onsite training through three major
winemakers – Constellation, Devine and Pernod Ricard. For the past two years, 90 per cent of graduates
no longer need a benefit. The next cellarhand course gets underway in late February with 18 Work and
Income clients taking part.
Children’s Day: Early learning centres; rural education; New Zealand Police; Child, Youth and Family and
Barnardos teamed up to create a day of free fun for children on Sunday 2 March.
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201426
Regional round-up
Central Sewing school: New Zealand outdoor clothing manufacturing company Swazi has teamed up with
Work and Income and the New Zealand Industry Training Organisation (NZITO) to set up a sewing
training school in Levin. Committed to keeping their products made in New Zealand, Swazi have
successfully run one training school so far, with three Work and Income participants gaining jobs as
a result. Another programme is planned for March.
Acknowledging great employers: Work and Income and the Manawatu and Kapiti Coast Regional
Employer Support Committee (RESC) held their first ever employer awards evening to recognise
employers’ valuable support of the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme, by recruiting graduates.
The winning employer, ALSCO NZ, will travel to Wellington to receive their award in April.
Wellington Supporting homeless people: The Wellington Service Centre has created a dedicated case manager
position to serve clients who are homeless. To date, the case manager, working with other community
organisations, has identified 80 clients with no home address. Early successes include placing two of
these clients in work and three more in training.
Understanding: Porirua Child, Youth and Family and Te Taumata Hauora o te Aroha recently signed
an agreement of understanding to work together to achieve better outcomes for mokopuna and
their whänau in the Porirua community.
Community event: Lower Hutt Child, Youth and Family staff took part in the popular Te Rä o te Raukura
community festival in Lower Hutt. Staff talked to people and handed out parenting information.
Taranaki, King Country and WhanganuiYouth to Work Awards: South Taranaki’s first ever Youth to Work Awards were held late last
year, by the South Taranaki District Council’s Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, including the council,
Work and Income and representatives from education and industry. The awards recognise
employers and training providers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to youth. Winners
were JLE Electrical and Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. A Young Achiever Award went to an
outstanding young person in work – Katherine Bosworth, a new librarian at Hawera LibraryPlus.
New meat workers: Seven Work and Income jobseekers are now in work after Work and Income and
training provider Feats Ltd approached Riverlands Eltham, offering to provide employment training for
people who had not previously worked in the meat processing industry.
East CoastGisborne launched its Youth Action Plan with an event at the Gisborne skate-bowl in January. The plan
brings community, iwi and government resources together to better support young people in education
and in life. The Youth Action Plan is part of a trial led by the Ministry of Social Development.
The Flaxmere Family Festival was an opportunity for Community Link staff to profile local job
opportunities, highlight the Limited Service Volunteers programme for young people, offer SKIP
parenting resources to mums and dads, with treats for the kids.
The Gisborne Careers Expo saw social workers and case managers talking to young people about
career opportunities with the Ministry of Social Development. StudyLink and Inland Revenue staff
teamed up to inform young people about financial options for studying.
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 27
Regional round-up
Bay of Plenty YES: Rotorua’s Youth in Emergency Services (YES) team were runners up in the Education and Child/
Youth Development category at the recent TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards. YES is a joint
Ministry of Youth Development and Rotorua emergency services project to help young people
connect better with their communities.
Success: The July welfare reform changes are helping more people find jobs or gain skills for work.
On average, 833 Bay of Plenty residents have gained work each month since July.
Keepin’ It Real: Ministry of Youth Development delivered a Keepin’ It Real workshop to Rotorua
youth workers in December. Those in attendance gained an understanding of youth participation and
developed skills to engage young people in decision-making in their respective organisations.
Waikato Jobs for local youth: Work and Income is working with unemployed 18-year-olds to prepare them
for training and work, as part of the Waikato District’s Social Sector Trials. Work and Income and
Northern Waikato employers are working together to create job opportunities.
Child focus at waka ama: Child, Youth and Family social workers and Work and Income staff
were out in force at the waka ama sprint nationals at Lake Karapiro in January. They talked with
hundreds of people; whänau, families and children – sharing information about support, services
and parenting and instigated competitions to highlight the things that children need.
Childrens’ Day: Midlands’ Child, Youth and Family staff were involved in numerous Children’s Day
events across the region on Sunday 2 March.
Auckland Working Together to Keep Kids Safe workshop: Child, Youth and Family sites around Auckland
will be inviting people who work with children to attend a Working Together to Keep Kids Safe
workshop during March and April. The workshops are designed to deliver child protection
education and bring key groups together. Visit the Child Matters website to register for a workshop:
www.childmatters.org.nz/208/cyf-seminar-registration
Out and about: Work and Income staff will be out in the community and taking part in Pacific-themed
and child-focused public events across the Auckland region in March and April. Staff will be meeting
and talking with parents, whänau, families and individuals, sharing information about the employment
assistance and childcare support that is available to jobseekers and families.
Northland Working with young offenders: Youth offending teams are working with Police and other agencies
on the Children Who Offend Pilot Project and the Youth Crime Action Plan.
Training partnership: The wood processing industry, NorthTec and Work and Income offer an
eight-week pre-employment training programme, which so far has placed 9 out of 11 clients
in full-time work. NorthTec plans to continue its training programmes in solid wood processing.
Job fair: Work and Income, the New Zealand Refining Company and its contractors organised a job
fair for more than 100 employees whose jobs were affected during a sub-contracting tender round.
Many of the staff were offered new roles with the successful contractors. Work and Income will continue
to support the New Zealand Refining Company with other staff changes.
RISE: Issue 26 – March 201428
Rise in your inboxWould you like us to email you a link when a new issue of Rise appears online?
Drop us a line at [email protected]
Rise onlinewww.msd.govt.nz/rise
Download past issues of Rise from the Ministry of Social Development website.
Rise for the iPadRise is available as a digital iBook on your Apple iPad. As well as flicking through the magazine on-screen, you can access extra video and photo galleries, and interactive web links. Plus it will update itself whenever a new issue is available.
Find it on the Apple iTunes App Store by searching for Rise magazine.
Contact Rise Do you have suggestions, feedback or story ideas for Rise?
Please email us at [email protected] OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I S S U E 2 2 – M A R CH 2013
Courage to innovate – Levin tests new ways to support young people
Tackling family violence – Jude Simpson’s mission
Speaking out – a voice for disabled children
Life-changing choices – teenagers working to succeed
Courage
“What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kı̈ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
Ministry of social DevelopMent
I s s u e 2 3 – J u ly 2013
A different future – backing people to succeed in work
Tanya Black – challenging expectations
Lifehack – creative answers for youth mental health
Tai Tokerau – doing better for Northland’s at-risk kids
Think differently
“What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kı̈ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I S S U E 25 – D ECEM B ER 2013
It’s Not OK – tackling family violence in the heartland
Home for life – the foster family with a dream home
Onjeurlina Leiataua – our youngest Black Fern
Achievement
“What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kı̈ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
From lost to leaders – former refugees make their mark
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I S S U E 24 – S EP T EM B ER 2013
Between us all – Te Ku- iti unites for young people
Aotearoa Reggae Allstars – singing against child abuse
Never give up – soccer’s Ben Sigmund and Limited Service Volunteers
Whakakotahi
“What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kı̈ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
Housing needs? See Work and Income, Senior Services or Studylink
From 14 April 2014, the Ministry of Social Development will handle applications and assessment for social housing. Currently, this work is undertaken by Housing New Zealand.
The change means that people will be
able to get help with their social housing,
income support and employment needs in
one place.
“Many of Housing New Zealand’s tenants
are also our clients,” says Debbie Power,
Deputy Chief Executive, Work and Income.
“The transfer will make their lives simpler
because instead of dealing with two agencies
– with all the travelling, form filling and
phone calling this involves – they will deal
with only one.”
It also means that a person’s eligibility for
social housing will be decided independent
of any housing provider.
The change is part of a wider
programme to improve the diversity of
social housing in New Zealand, making it
more accessible to people most in need. It
recognises that housing is a key driver for
improving health, education, connection
to community and jobs.
Over time, the Government’s reform
of the social housing sector will provide a
greater choice of housing and landlords for
people eligible for income-related rent.
Until 14 April 2014, all existing Housing
New Zealand tenants and new applicants
will continue to deal with Housing New
Zealand, as they do now. After 14 April,
Housing New Zealand will continue to be
the landlord for state tenants, but new
applicants will be assessed by the Ministry
of Social Development through Work and
Income, Senior Services or Studylink.
LEARN MORE AT:
www.msd.govt.nz
Housing New Zealand tenants can also contact Housing New Zealand on freephone 0800 801 601 for more information about the change.
Tips, links and news
RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 29