13 Dec 2012

Taxpayers help fund Maori trades training

8:13 pm on 13 December 2012

Ngai Tahu is praising the Government for supporting the tribe's Maori trades training programme - He Toki ki te Rika.

The Canterbury Maori trades training programme received a $1 million boost from the Government on Thursday - a payment promised earlier this year.

Ngai Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon thanked the Government for its support.

He says his iwi is taking an active role in readying local Maori for the recovery of Canterbury and Government officials must be commended for their commitment to helping to develop the Maori workforce.

The taxpayer-funded investment includes the support of Maori social services providers to help with pastoral care.

It also includes 300 apprenticeship grants and the provisions to employ two new dedicated staff members.

He Toki was launched last June and more than 150 Maori have completed the course, 89 of those students have found work and most of the remaining students have gone into further training.

Representatives from the He Toki ki te Rika were in Wellington on Thursday signing the deal.