Zero unemployment an achievable goal

The Mayor of Otorohanga, Dale Williams, discussed his town’s successful youth employment initiatives with the Turangi-Tongariro Community Board last week.

Mayor Williams has led the charge in Otorohanga to get a number of youth initiatives running, including a very successful apprenticeship programme which has resulted in zero unemployment in the town.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper was impressed by the results being achieved in Otorohanga. “If Otorohanga can do it – why can’t we? This is a real example of what can be achieved if a town pulls together and gets some sensible youth initiatives in place,” he said.

“I was really impressed to hear that Otorohanga, which used to have a graffiti problem, is now graffiti-free. This came about by giving the local sports teams responsibility for the problem in return for the funding previously contracted out. Once you give people ownership and a reason to get involved, the problems are sorted out pretty quickly,” said Mayor Cooper.

Turangi/Tongariro Community Board Chairman, Cr Don Ormsby thanked the Mayor of Otorohanga for his presentation.