The government intends to involve jobseekers in the response efforts for the recent flooding in Tasman and Marlborough through the Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG).
“Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston said in a media release.
This permits the allocation of funds to train, equip, transport, and compensate individuals receiving the Jobseeker benefit to assist with the cleanup efforts.
“The ETFG programme puts job seekers to work where they will be of most help to the farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. This may include clearing debris, clearing fence lines and repairing buildings and waterways.”
The initiative also offers support to restore public assets such as community halls, gardens, playgrounds, and public spaces to their condition before the event.
“Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support.”
Farmers or growers requiring assistance can self-register by reaching out to the Rural Support Trust at 0800 787 254.
Local job seekers interested in assisting with the cleanup are encouraged to register by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz or by contacting Work and Income at 0800 559 009.
“We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand,” Upston added.