RSE Scheme Changes Coming - McClay
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.
Announcing the funding, Agriculture Todd McClay says that NZYF do a huge amount of good in rural communities.
"We want to support their efforts to help them do even more,” McClay says.
He says the funding will help back the important work of small volunteer committees, which drive organisation, membership, and event planning at each club.
"The committees are essential to the club’s ongoing success, their ability to attract new members and event sponsorship, and provide support to young people in rural communities.”
NZYF is a non-profit with a long history of connecting, nurturing, and empowering young people in rural communities.
“Its clubs provide a place for young people to develop leadership skills, network with like-minded people, and make lifelong friends,” McClay says.
“The organisation is part of the fabric of rural New Zealand and will mark its centenary next year. This funding will be a boost for clubs planning local celebrations.”
McClay says the Government is also backing the wellbeing of young people in rural communities through the Rural Wellbeing Fund.
“NZ Young Farmers was one of 18 community-based organisations and initiatives to receive funding through the Government’s Rural Wellbeing Fund.
“It’s receiving $585,000 to ramp up new initiatives, focusing on physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, leveraging its network of 60 clubs,” McClay adds.
“The primary industries are the backbone of the economy, supporting local jobs and communities, and this Government is committed to building the future for the sector to succeed.”
