“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.

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Read Rise on your iPad

Rise in your inboxWould you like to receive a link to each new online issue of Rise? Email at rise@msd.govt.nz

Rise onlinewww.msd.govt.nz/rise

Contact Rise Drop us a line at rise@msd.govt.nz

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 ann.dysart001@msd.govt.nz

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 rise@msd.govt.nz

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 rise@msd.govt.nzMINISTRY 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

www.etuwhanau.org