Buller District Council is taking a fresh approach to powering up the district by targeting young people in cities with a brand-new campaign selling the benefits of rural living.
Think Rural is launching nationwide, with 18 rural districts signed up to the campaign. The goal is to contribute towards filling 1,150 jobs in rural areas with young people wanting to experience a new way of life.
The campaign is being driven by Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), with support from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
“We hope that encouraging young people to Think Rural will attract keen and hardworking new recruits to our district. Buller is booming, there are plenty of jobs and apprenticeships available. Filling these positions is critical for Buller to support our district’s growth,” said Buller District Council Mayor, Jamie Cleine (pictured).
“Buller has plenty to offer for young people, families and young professionals. Compared to urban centres, Buller offers an amazing lifestyle. It is simply better in Buller.”
National Programme Manager of MTFJ, Noa Woolloff is 23 years old and passionate about getting young people into jobs that give them a new lease on life.
“Young people often think about going overseas to have new experiences, but with the borders closed, we’re highlighting the incredible things New Zealand has to offer – right on their back doorstep. They say the grass is greener, but in this case it actually is. Think Rural will showcase what these towns have to offer – from welcoming communities to interesting jobs and outdoor adventures,” he says.
The rural councils getting behind the Think Rural scheme in the hope of drawing a younger crowd are Ōpōtiki, Ōtorohanga, Central Hawke’s Bay, Chatham Islands, Gore, Ruapehu, Waimate, Westland, Wairoa, Hurunui, Tararua, Grey, Rangitikei, Clutha, Hauraki, Mackenzie and Buller.
Each rural district has a chance to receive funding support of up to $500,000 to aid their efforts to support youth and COVID displaced workers into sustainable long-term employment.
Wannabe rural-dwellers can find the right community for them on www.thinkrural.co.nz. The site gives the skinny on each participating town and directs people to available jobs.
