Wairoa advocates appointed to regional leadership group

Two Wairoa advocates have been appointed as Wairoa’s representatives on the newly established Hawke’s Bay Regional Skills Leadership Group.

Local leader and youth and employment campaigner Denise Eaglesome-Karekare and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa General Manager – Horticulture Clare Easton have both been appointed to the future-focussed group.

The Hawke’s Bay group is one of 15 Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs) in New Zealand, set up by the Government to actively help our changing labour markets across the country.

The proactive group has been established to identify and support better ways of meeting future skills and workforce needs in the region.

The group comprises people who can contribute their knowledge and expertise including regional industry leaders, economic development agencies, iwi/Māori, and community and government representatives.

Ms Eaglesome-Karekare has a background of more than 15 years working with youth in training and employment and describes it as a privilege to have been selected.

Denise says Wairoa has always been her passion, and it is great to be in a position where she can have input at a regional level around what is needed at a local level.

“Having Clare on board as well means Wairoa’s voice and our specific needs will be well represented.

“I am really looking forward to being part of a group that analyses regional trends and recognises labour market opportunities as well as challenges and is focussed on solutions.

“This is a chance for Wairoa’s potential to be recognised and for our district to feel more supported as we take on the challenges of the future.”

Ms Eaglesome-Karekare, who is also a Wairoa District Councillor, described the group as a great opportunity for Wairoa to collaborate across Hawke’s Bay to achieve the best results.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in on this locally led, regionally supported and centrally enabled journey.”

Ms Easton said being a member of the RSLG is an exciting opportunity to actively seek and support new ways of developing the current and future workforce of Wairoa – particularly our rangatahi.”

Director, Strategic Labour Market Planning, MBIE, Heather Kirkham said she is really pleased with the appointments of Denise and Clare.

“They’ve got a great range of skills and are leaders within the region and provide strong representation for Wairoa.

“Denise has vast experience in working with Wairoa youth and community and Clare brings the industry voice, especially from her role as General Manager Horticulture at Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa. I am confident they can help us achieve our goals of informing and supporting better ways to meet future skills and workforce needs in Wairoa, in Hawke’s Bay, and across other regions in New Zealand as well.”

Interim Regional Skills Leadership Groups were formed in June 2020, with an immediate focus on Covid-19 impacts of regional workforce and labour market factors.  They are part of a joined-up approach to labour market planning to encourage workforces, education and immigration systems to work together to better meet the differing skills needs across the country.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa chairman Leon Symes was the interim position holder with Ms Eaglesome-Karekare and Ms Easton appointed as part of the permanent membership.

Each Regional Skills Leadership Groups consists of 12-14 members.

Functioning independently, the groups are locally based and regionally enabled, and supported by a team of data analysts, advisors and workforce specialists at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and providing independent advice which employers and government agencies can act on.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it is great to have two experienced local advocates involved at a strategic regional level.

“Wairoa has its own uniqueness but is also part of a bigger regional and national picture so to be included with two strong local voices is a great opportunity.”   

14 September 2021

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