Regional Commissioner's foreword

E ngā mana
E ngā reo
E ngā kārangaranga maha
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou,
tēnā koutou katoa.
Ki a koutou ngā tētēkura kua
wheturangitia
haere, haere, haere, oti atu rā.
Haere ki te tua o te ārai, haere,
haere, moe mai rā.
Huri noa ki a tātou te hunga ora, me kī,
ngā kanohi kitea,
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou,
tēnā tātou katoa.
Ka nui aku mihi ki a koutou katoa,
e hāpai nei, e tautoko nei, e kawe nei
i ngā kaupapa whakahirahira o
Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora.
Na reira, e kī ana, "Mā pango,
mā whero, ka oti ai te mahi."
Pai Mārire.

The Waikato Regional Plan for 2009/2010 tells you about how we aim to help individuals and families living in our region. We always aim to provide the best service we can. We want to help our people to lead their lives successfully.

We have been planning and preparing for the economic downturn for some time. Already we have seen impacts on our key industries affecting local businesses and employees. There are no simple solutions - we are working closely with employers, local government and key agencies to identify innovative ways to retain jobs, to create jobs and to prepare for the future. To get the most up-to-date information about labour market trends in the Waikato Region, we analyse information from all our service centres so we can better understand what the changing labour market means to us.

There are still jobs out there. But, the labour market is more competitive and some people will find it harder to get work. These people are more likely to need financial, job search and training assistance. Waikato businesses, community organisations, government agencies, non-government organisations and my staff within the Ministry are working hard to protect people from the worst effects of this recession. I sincerely acknowledge the commitment and professionalism being demonstrated by everyone. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Nga- mihi.

Te Rehia Papesch
Regional Commissioner Waikato