Greens pledge guaranteed jobs for unemployed 16-24 year olds under $4.8 b plan

The Green Party revealed a $4.8 b initiative aimed at guaranteeing a work pathway for 16-24-year-olds who have been out of employment for at least six months. Modeled on the pandemic-era Jobs for Nature scheme, the Jobs for Young People pilot will coordinate with local councils, iwi, private firms and non-profits to generate new positions that supplement, not replace, existing jobs. Funding will also support the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs to improve local job matching.

Green co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick framed the policy as a response to the highest unemployment rate in over a decade and a critique of one outlet government's failure to provide sufficient youth jobs. They emphasized that the work would focus on infrastructure, environmental maintenance and community services. The party presented the plan as a way to broaden the tax base while giving young people meaningful employment opportunities.