10. Question No. 10—EmploymentMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of EmploymentQuestion No. 10—Employment10. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Employment: What initiatives if any is the Government undertaking to improve employment outcomes for New Zealanders? Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): As part of the employment strategy launched in August we announced a series of initiatives that will support this Government's focus on ensuring the labour market is productive sustainable and inclusive. Part of our overall strategy is ensuring that we are investing in upskilling Kiwis particularly those who historically have had poor outcomes. Programmes such as Mana in Mahi Pae Aronui and He Poutama Rangatahi are making a real difference in creating pathways for our young people into employment. Marja Lubeck: What difference is the employment initiative He Poutama Rangatahi making? Hon WILLIE JACKSON: I'm happy to share with the House that He Poutama Rangatahi is making a difference in regions ignored by previous Governments— Hon Simon Bridges: But things are getting worse. Hon WILLIE JACKSON: —areas like Te Tai Tokerau Tai Rāwhiti Eastern Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay. In fact 2132 rangatahi—that's young people Mr Bridges—who are classified as not earning or learning are now engaged in employment or training pathways. What I'm particularly proud of in this initiative is the fact that 38 percent of all participants had previously been expelled from school. This programme has given those rangatahi a chance at a very different future. Marja Lubeck: What difference is the employment initiative Mana in Mahi making? Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Mana in Mahi is an employment initiative that is creating real employment opportunities for many of our young people. Forty-two percent of all participants had already been on a benefit for 12 months or more. By working with our employers not only have we placed 363 young people into work but we're also ensuring they are earning workplace qualifications that set them up for a lifetime of sustainable employment. Also percentage-wise Māori are doing much better under this Government in terms of not going on benefits compared to the previous Government. In September 2009 29.7 percent of Māori were on benefits. In 2010 30.7 percent of Māori were on benefits. Right now 26.7 percent of Māori are on benefits—doing much better than the previous Government. Marja Lubeck: Has the Minister seen any reports that indicate that these initiatives are improving employment outcomes? Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Yes. The household labour force survey today—again very good results for Māori—indicates that the employment market remains stable and strong and I'm pleased to say that there are 6000—6000—more Māori in employment more than this time last year. Mana in Mahi Pae Aronui He Poutama Rangatahi—kaupapa Māori initiatives all around the country are ensuring that Māori are doing well. More Māori are employed and more Māori are off benefits than the previous Government could have ever dreamt of. SPEAKER: Question No. 11 Nicola Willis. Oh sorry—Stuart Smith. [Interruption] All right well I'm getting pretty confused but when members call I tend to sort of believe them. Nicola Willis.