The government says it also aims to address barriers faced in Pacific inclusion
The New Zealand government launched on Monday its new Pacific Employment Action Plan in a bid to diversify the Pacific workforce.
In a statement, Minister of Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said the plan aims to deliver "better employment opportunities and services for Pacific peoples across employment, self-employment, and training."
"The launch of the Pacific Employment Action Plan further strengthens discussion and engagement with Pacific communities to design an Employment, Education, and Training system that works for them," said Sio.
"Diversifying the Pacific workforce reflects the need to support Pacific inclusion across industries and occupations through workforce development initiatives, sector capability development and improvements."
According to Sio, another objective of the plan is to identify the "importance of continued work" to address systemic barriers by Pacific communities in the employment, education, and training system.
A key part of it is "leveraging Pacific entrepreneurship," said Sio, in order to help Pacific people create careers and business opportunities that reflect their culture.
"This includes actions relating to work by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' operational policy team to improve economic development through enhanced business services access, as well as through capital support for Pacific businesses and enhancing community business networks."
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Meanwhile, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni lauded the plan as a "great example" of how the government's employment action plans will help New Zealand become more productive and inclusive.
"The Employment Strategy aims to ensure people can fulfil their potential, find secure employment and have rewarding careers and it is important Pacific people have opportunities to shine. This needs to be done by addressing inequities in our society and ensuring people have the support they need to grow their skills and advance their careers," said Sepuloni.
The action plan is one of the seven population-specific employment action plans of the government, which supports its wider Employment Strategy.
"Our government is committed to making sure our employment system and the programmes we’ve got in place like Apprenticeship Boost, He Poutama Rangatahi and Mana in Mahi, are well placed to help Pacific people into work now and in the future," said Sepuloni.
