When people talk about the future of the Wairarapa, they often talk about business growth, economic development and attracting new investment.
But according to Nicola Belsham, one of the region’s most important investments is much closer to home.
“Our young people are our future business owners, volunteers, community leaders, councillors and employers.”
Nicola Belsham
As Programme Lead for Mayor’s Task Force for Jobs (MTFJ) Wairarapa, Nicola works every day to connect local young people with meaningful employment opportunities across the region. Since 2020, the programme has helped more than 600 young people find work, while supporting local businesses to build their future workforce.
For Nicola, the programme is about much more than filling vacancies.
“It’s about helping young people discover what’s possible and helping employers recognise the potential that’s already here in our communities.”
Working across Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa, the programme acts as a bridge between employers looking for staff and young people looking for opportunities. Alongside job matching, the team provides support with licences, training, workplace readiness and ongoing mentoring to help ensure long-term success.
One of the things Nicola is most passionate about is changing the way people think about young people.
“Every generation has been told the youth of today are a problem,” she says. “But what I see every day is empathy, resilience and potential.”
For local businesses, the benefits can be significant. Employers gain access to motivated young people and practical support throughout the recruitment process. For young people, a first job can provide confidence, experience, independence and a pathway into the future.
“We’re a region made up of small communities,” Nicola says. “When one young person succeeds, that success doesn’t just belong to them. It strengthens families, businesses and the wider community.”
With more than 600 employment outcomes already achieved, Mayor’s Task Force for Jobs continues to demonstrate what can happen when businesses, councils and communities work together with a shared goal.
Because building Wairarapa’s future isn’t just about creating jobs. It’s about creating opportunities.
This conversation was originally recorded for the Go Carterton Business Spotlight radio programme on Arrow FM. Special thanks to Arrow FM, our local access radio station, for supporting local businesses, stories, and community connections across the Carterton District.
Listen to the full conversation
