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Rangitīkei pitches rural life to young city-dwellers

November 01, 2021

Think Rural News Image

With a growing shortage of workers, Rangitīkei is taking a fresh approach to powering up their district. They’re targeting young people in cities with a brand-new campaign that will sell the benefits of living in the country.

Think Rural is launching nationwide, with eighteen rural districts signed up to the campaign. Their goal is to contribute towards filling 1,150 jobs in rural areas with young people wanting to experience a new way of life. The campaign is driven by LGNZ’s Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), with support from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Rangitīkei District Council Mayor, Andy Watson, says he hopes that encouraging young people to Think Rural will attract a legion of keen and hardworking new recruits to the area.

“If you are searching for a life with a little more adventure, a little less hustle and a bit more laughter, relaxation and pretty incredible people, somewhere where the great 'Kiwi road trip" takes place in your back yard, where the people are welcoming and diversity is celebrated, and where the streets come to life with vibrant events - We've got you!! he says.

Rangitīkei has 100’s of jobs on offer, from accountants to physio’s to engineers to social workers, the range and diversity is huge. Rent sits at around $500 for a 3 bedroom house.

“Getting behind this innovative campaign was a no brainer! We know we have an amazing district full of work and play opportunities ready for people wanting to get out of the big centres and rediscover real New Zealand.”

Noa Woolloff, National Programme Manager of MTFJ, is 23 and passionate about getting young people into jobs that give them a new lease on life.

“Young people often think about going overseas to have new experiences, but with the borders closed, we’re highlighting the incredible things New Zealand has to offer – right on their back doorstep. They say the grass is greener, but in this case it actually is. Think Rural will showcase what these towns have to offer – from welcoming communities to interesting jobs and outdoor adventures,” he says.

The rural councils getting behind the Think Rural scheme in the hope of drawing a younger crowd are Rangitīkei, Ōpōtiki, Ōtorohanga, Central Hawke’s Bay, Chatham Islands, Gore, Ruapehu, Waimate, Westland, Wairoa, Hurunui, Tararua, Grey, Clutha, Hauraki, Mackenzie and Buller.

Each rural district has a chance to receive funding support of up to $500,000 to aid their efforts to support youth and COVID displaced workers into sustainable long-term employment.

Wannabe rural-dwellers can find the right community for them on www.thinkrural.co.nz. The site gives the skinny on each participating town and directs people to available jobs.

For further information, please contact james.towers@rangitikei.govt.nz