Mayors Task Force for Jobs lengths ahead

Published on 15 March 2024

Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher and members of the Mayor’s Task Force For Jobs (MTFJ) visited Brad Williamson Racing yesterday, to visit one of the employers and employees who had been connected by the programme.

The Williamson family, Waitaki hall of fame inductee Phil and his three sons Matthew, Nathan and Brad have driven more than 3000 winners in harness racing, and train horses at their stables in Waitaki.

The visit also saw the Mayor be given a run around the track on a sulky, led by Greta one of the Williamson’s winning horses . Video of this can be found on the Waitaki District Council’s facebook page.

The Mayor said: “The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is about getting great outcomes for young people and employers in our district. Brad and the Williamsons are just one of the wide range of different employers in Waitaki, and being able to work with them, and find the right person for the job, demonstrates that when local communities are given responsibility and funding, they can find better local solutions to local problems”

Jayda Loper, employed at the stables through the Task Force said of her role, “I love it, it’s definitely a different kind of job and vibe, but I’ve learned a lot. I wouldn’t have imagined myself working here, and didn’t think I’d come back to horses, but I used to ride when I was younger. I love the people here, they’re supportive and nice, and I even get to have a drive which is great fun”

This visit is one of three the Mayor is making, to emphasise the success of the Task Force in the district. Last month he visited Network Waitaki, and he hopes to visit one more employer in the coming weeks. Each year the MTFJ has exceeded its targets of placing young people in apprenticeships and employment across the district.

Funded by MSD, the Task Force hopes to continue to find local solutions to employ local young people in local businesses.