11 Jan 2013
Media Release
Brendan Horan MP

Government Action Needed For Great Workers - Kawerau

Brendan Horan MP is calling for Government action so 110 people made redundant from the Kawerau mill can make a transition to new jobs.

“These are great workers with terrific skills, but some skills are specific to their job at the mill. And each person has a family behind them. Right now they need support in gaining new skills and competencies to be able to move into a new job and continue being a productive part of the New Zealand economy. The role Government must deliver on is to provide the pathway,” said Brendan Horan.

He is this afternoon meeting with some of the affected families.

“It is not good enough to hide behind a hands-off approach and for Government to leave towns to suffer as has happened in Wairoa with the freezing works and in Manaia with the bakery and in many other towns across our country,” said Brendan Horan.

A starting point for local government could be for Mayors Malcolm Campbell and Tony Bonne to bring together in one place people with ideas for new opportunities, innovation and job creation in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. That would create a way for ideas to be turned into action. “But central Government’s role in creating upward mobility and pathways is critical,” concluded Brendan Horan.

ENDS

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