12. Question No. 12—EmploymentTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of EmploymentQuestion No. 12—Employment12. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Employment: He aha ngā rīpoata hou kua kitea e ia mō te kaupapa Mana in Mahi? [What recent reports has he seen on Mana in Mahi?]Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): I've seen reports that show that at the end of October we've had 417 participants start Mana in Mahi employment since the programme started. Now that's more than a third—39 percent—of our people who have started in Mana in Mahi and they've already been on a benefit for 12 months or more with 10 percent of people having been on a benefit for more than four years. For these people Mana in Mahi is transforming their lives and reconnecting them back to a lifelong pathway of employment. Tamati Coffey: He aha ngā ripoata kua kitea e ia mō te heke haere o ngā tāngata kei raro i te kaupapa nei Mana in Mahi? [What reports has he seen on the attrition rate of those participating in Mana in Mahi?]Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Kia ora. We always knew that there would be some challenges. That's been pointed out in the House I think over the last few weeks but for some of those who have participated in Mana in Mahi—especially considering more than a third had already spent more than a year on a benefit—it has been a great experience which is why I'm really proud of the efforts being made by Work and Income employers and participants which has resulted in only 16 percent as Minister Sepuloni said of participants exiting Mana in Mahi and returning to the benefits. I want to reassure the House that Work and Income continues to actively help those who have returned to benefits with their job-seeking and to support them with an alternative pathway. Tamati Coffey: Kua kite ia i ngā ripoata mō ngā momo ahumahi e whakamahi ana i a rātau nō Mana in Mahi? [Has he seen any reports on the industries that are employing people through Mana in Mahi?]Hon WILLIE JACKSON: To the question I've seen reports that alongside our more traditional industries such as building and construction manufacturing agriculture forestry and fishing Mana in Mahi has also opened up opportunities in other industries such as food manufacturing electricity gas water and waste services healthcare and social assistance information media and telecommunications and tiling and carpeting services. In fact 238 employers are now involved in Mana in Mahi the majority of which are small to medium sized businesses—exactly as we intended. These industries are not only offering long-term employment pathways for our people participating in Mana in Mahi; they're also investing in their skills and development. Rt Hon Winston Peters: Can I ask the Minister as to whether he recommends Mana in Mahi to certain political parties whose politicians will need a job shortly? SPEAKER: I'm sorry I didn't catch the end. Rt Hon Winston Peters: I'll repeat it. Could I ask the Minister as to whether or not he would recommend to political parties the concept of Mana in Mahi because some of them will need a job soon? SPEAKER: Order! Order! That's—Rt Hon Winston Peters: You Paula. Hon Paula Bennett: We'll see sweetheart—we'll see. SPEAKER: Oh look don't encourage him please. I mean it's hard enough trying—I think the member knows that dealing with the longest-serving member of the House at times is somewhat of a challenge for Speakers. Predecessors of mine have had similar challenges with the member and he does not need winding up from my left. Tamati Coffey: Has he seen any reports on the outcomes for people who have completed Mana in Mahi? Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Kia ora. I've seen numerous reports of people who have completed their Mana in Mahi placement. As an example a young Māori man who is 18 years of age—he came on to job seeker support in mid-2018 and had advised that he was interested in dairy farming or construction work. After one month he was matched through a work broker to a small construction company and became one of the earliest placements in the Mana in Mahi programme. He has not only maintained good attendance as well as remaining in employment but he has also completed a level 2 course with the intent of working towards a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry. He's been enjoying the training aspects of the position and his employer has commented on the client's growing level of responsibilities in his mahi as a result of his training and sustained employment.