The government's Mana in Mahi programme, which helps people start new careers, has had about 1000 more participants than expected four years on from its establishment.
A total 5091 people had participated in the programme by 30 June this year, compared to the 4000-person target set when it was extended in 2019.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni were in Auckland this morning celebrating the success of the scheme, launched as a prototype four years ago in August 2018.
It matches people wanting to start a new career with an employer, providing extra support for training. Placements have exceeded funding expectations every year.
Of those on a benefit, 90 percent had not returned to a benefit, including three quarters of those who had been on a benefit for two years or more.
Unemployment is at a record low and employers have been demanding more staff, which would make getting people into work easier.
Ardern said economic activity was growing and Mana in Mahi was important for securing the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We've continued to take action to support more people into jobs and on pathways into employment, education and training," she said.
Sepuloni said the scheme was a win-win.
"Contract Warehousing is one of many businesses who've taken on Mana in Mahi participants, with a particular focus on supporting Māori and Pacific people into employment. They've developed a strong relationship with MSD over the past 45 years whilst in business and recruit the majority of their new hires through MSD."
She said the government was committed to playing its role in ensuring all New Zealanders had the opportunity to thrive.
Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menendez-March however called for the government to ensure such schemes paid at least the living wage, and guaranteed fair working conditions.
"With schemes like Mana in Mahi continuing to grow in size now it is the perfect opportunity for the government to improve the scheme and ensure everyone is paid at least a living wage from the start," he said.
"The incredibly narrow focus of simply moving people into paid employment misses the opportunity to ensure that people are supported into jobs that allow them to live with dignity and fulfil their aspirations."
