MEDIA RELEASE
5 December 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Announces New Leadership

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, a nationwide network of all Mayors in New Zealand, has received a boost today with the announcement of a new chairperson and two new deputies. The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is committed to building a brighter future for every young person within the country and focuses on building skills and unlocking local opportunities in education, training and employment.

Chief Executive of the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs, Bry Kopu, has welcomed Bryan Cadogan, Mayor of Clutha into the role of Chairperson, along with Malcolm Campbell and Margaret Kouvelis, Mayors of Kawerau and Manawatu respectively, into the dual role of Deputy Chairperson.

“These new appointments offer the Taskforce the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to the fore as we come into an exciting and busy new year. We’re thrilled to have Mayor Cadogan taking the helm, he brings an immense amount of passion, commitment and experience to the role and I’m sure he’ll make a huge contribution as Chairperson.”

Mayor Cadogan was re-elected as Mayor after one term governing Clutha and has served on the Clutha District Council for the past 9 years, originally entering politics as Clutha’s youngest ever District Councillor. He has been a very strong advocate for the Taskforce and has himself championed a strong community and agency collaboration to identify 450 jobs, achieve single-digit youth unemployment figures and run the successful “Ready Steady Work’ programme.

Mayor Cadogan said he will focus on strengthening the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs membership and utilise the strong connection with central government to achieve key goals in the new year.

“We have a lot of good kids in our communities, who, through no fault of their own, are out of work. We need to lead our young people to take the next step in their career paths to get out there and create a future,” said Mayor Cadogan.

“I’m ready to roll my sleeves up and get into it.”

Mayor Cadogan takes over from outgoing Chair Dale Williams, Former Mayor of Otorohanga who is stepping down to travel the world with his family.

“Dale was an extremely proactive and committed leader of the Taskforce, and he’ll leave a great legacy in his achievements over the past six years,” said Ms Kopu.

ENDS

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