South Waikato community comes together at Jobs & Wellbeing Forum
The latest Project Phoenix forum, South Waikato Equip: Jobs & Wellbeing, was a collaborative, action-oriented community event designed to provide immediate support, resources, and hope to individuals and whānau affected by recent mill closures and job losses in the South Waikato.
The forum, held at Toi Ohomai, Tokoroa on 31 October, brought together residents, community groups and national agencies to connect people with practical support across employment, financial planning and wellbeing.
The forum was facilitated by South Waikato District Council with YMCA and SWPICS taking the lead and WORKiT Mayors Taskforce for Jobs providing logistics, event funding, ground crew and event planning; Toi Ohomai providing the event space, local staff and event management and Unions providing member engagement. The aim was to ensure the event was inclusive, practical, and responsive to the needs of locals affected by recent mill closures and job losses.
“This forum was a chance for whānau in the community to learn about employment opportunities in South Waikato,” Mayor Gary Petley said.
“Project Phoenix has connected our community to the right people and it was great to see everyone so engaged. Thanks to everyone who turned up for themselves and their whānau.
“We want our community to stay and thrive in our region and look forward to seeing the results of the forum.”
Attendees were equipped with a range of practical, wellbeing and networking tools – from job and training opportunities, financial advice and budgeting support, to mental health and whānau services, and connections with local employers.
“This forum is about keeping our people in the region, supporting one another and building a thriving South Waikato,” Julius Daniels, South Waikato YMCA Chief Executive said.
“When our community faces challenges, we want to ensure we’re activating every resource we have to achieve the best outcomes for our community and keep them in the region.”
The forum was structured in two parts. The first, the Equipping Marketplace, created an interactive hub where attendees could access services tailored to their needs. Local agencies set up dedicated “Tool Sheds” covering jobs and skills, financial guidance and wellbeing.
Attendees had the chance to meet with Ministry of Social Development representatives, recruiters and training providers to explore career pathways; speak with banks, budgeting services and financial planning services; access culturally grounded mental health and whānau support from SWPICS; or connect with YMCA and other community groups to link into wider networks.
The second part, the Forum Session, brought everyone together for a series of inspiring and informative talks, led by South Waikato YMCA and SWPICS. Keynote speakers included YMCA CEO Julius Daniels, who shared the steering group’s vision and next steps; Hon. Louise Upston, MP, who outlined Government support and initiatives; and Mayor Gary Petley, who spoke about the Council’s future strategy.
Project Phoenix was designed to proactively assist workers and contractors impacted by mill closures, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, local agencies, educational and training institutions, and businesses across South Waikato.
