9. Question No. 9—Social Development and Employment (Māori Employment)ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (Māori Employment)Question No. 9—Social Development and Employment (Māori Employment)9. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (Māori Employment): How is the Government supporting rangatahi into training and employment opportunities?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (Māori Employment)): The Government is continuing to support rangatahi in providing more funding into new Māori trades and training in He Poutama Rangatahi programmes across the country. We're backing 52 new Māori kaupapa employment and training programmes which will help Māori into further training sustainable employment or progress within their chosen careers. Last week in Dunedin I announced a further $67.1 million to be invested in Māori trades and training in He Poutama Rangatahi programmes supporting over 4000 Māori across Aotearoa.Arena Williams: What does this funding mean for rangatahi Māori?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Well as we know Māori are disproportionately disadvantaged in the labour market and this is why this Government has a specific focus on improving Māori employment opportunities and outcomes. Programmes like He Poutama Rangatahi and Whakawātea te ara Poutama are delivered by providers with a connection to the rangatahi and their whānau and they'll tailor the programme to meet specific needs and provide wraparound support. We recognise that communities know their people and community-linked service providers are best placed to deliver on this important mahi.Arena Williams: How is this investment impacting the lives of rangatahi and their whānau?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: These programmes are not simply about getting people into employment; they all provide wraparound services that support participants to address social issues and support life changes that impact positively both for them their whānau and the community. We know that intensive support and upskilling will be needed to get young people in particular into work so we've worked with providers to co-design programmes to address the need. Programmes can include but are not limited to mentoring alcohol and drug awareness reconnecting with whakapapa and mental health support such as counselling life skills literacy and numeracy support.Arena Williams: How effective have these programmes been for rangatahi Māori?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Oh all good news again: 5548 young people have gone into employment education or training—Hon Andrew Little: How many? Hon WILLIE JACKSON: —5548—since 2018; 71 percent of all participants who complete their programmes enter employment education and/or training so it's going well in that area; 820 participants have enrolled in the Māori Trades and Training Fund and 635 have gained employment outcomes or 77 percent and 85 percent of whom have been in employment longer than six months. It's all good news. We're doing some wonderful work with young people. Māori trade training—all going well for Te Ao Māori at the moment. Kia ora Mr Speaker.