4. Question No. 4—Social Development and EmploymentANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 4—Social Development and Employment4. ANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What progress has been made on supporting people into jobs in the regions? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): In 2018 my colleague the Hon Willie Jackson proposed the establishment of regional skills leadership groups (RSLGs) to make Government more responsive to the workforce needs of our regions. The insights produced by the then interim RSLGs were critical to our COVID-19 response. They are one of the many reasons our economy has remained resilient with unemployment continuing at near-record lows. The last month has seen many of the now permanent RSLGs release their regional workforce plans. Each plan is unique to its region and people and reflects the sectors and opportunities that are important to them. The plans will be a catalyst for regions to build a shared vision for their labour markets and will influence regional decision-making to drive change that supports more New Zealanders into good jobs. I want to congratulate the RSLGs on progressing this critical kaupapa for our regions. Angela Roberts: What recent reports has the Minister seen on employment outcomes for New Zealanders in the regions? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Today the latest household labour force survey was released. It shows unemployment has remained at near-record lows thanks to the Government's economic plan to support households and businesses through the challenging global environment resulting in more people in work and wages rising. While we always have to be careful about the regional data in this survey due to low sample numbers it was heartening to see these strong national numbers reflected in our regions. My original home region of Taranaki continued a trend of falling unemployment since December 2021 dropping to only 1.8 percent. This is the lowest unemployment rate in Taranaki since the survey began and represents 1600 less people unemployed than at this time last year. With New Plymouth seeing a 15 percent decrease in the number of people receiving jobseeker work-ready support in the year to June 2022 it is clear that this Government's focus on employment upskilling and training is paying off for Taranaki. Angela Roberts: What other kaupapa is the Government continuing to support New Zealanders in our regions into good jobs? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Between June 2021 and April 2022 nearly 3000 young people who were not in employment education or training were supported into permanent employment by the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. The task force is a Ministry of Social Development partnership with Local Government New Zealand that supports New Zealanders in our regions like Mitchell Boyce an 18-year-old in Woodville. Mitchell not only gained an apprenticeship through the programme but also received support with tools and with obtaining his restricted driver licence. The Government has invested $14 million this year—including $6 million in new funding—in the task force to ensure 1450 more New Zealanders like Mitchell can receive the localised wraparound support they need to move into employment education or training.