Creating stronger futures, locally.
About MTFJ
Launched in 2000, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a network of mayors that brings together councils, businesses, schools, and community organisations to tackle one of New Zealand’s most important challenges—helping young people aged 16-24 to achieve their potential.
Our mission is simple: To use the power of localism to develop pathways that build economic wellbeing for our young people.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My strength is not that of a single warrior but that of many.
Watch this video to learn more about Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, and see how we celebrated 25 years.
What we do
Localism is at the heart of MTFJ – we activate local knowledge, networks and connections to deliver the best possible outcomes with and for our communities.
We see economic security as the ability of young people to be able to meet their needs consistently – food, housing, living expenses, medical care, and other essentials – it is crucial for overall wellbeing and underpins social cohesion and quality of life.
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is both a powerful advocate and a hands-on service provider, driving employment outcomes for young people across Aotearoa. As an advocate, MTFJ identifies and advances key shared priorities across the mayoral collective, championing local solutions to national employment challenges. As a service provider, we work closely with government and funders, leveraging local knowledge and networks to turn strategy into action and deliver real results.
Supported by a small but dedicated national team, MTFJ operates in close collaboration with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), ensuring alignment with councils nationwide while fostering strong partnerships at both regional and national levels. Through this dual role, MTFJ creates impact—connecting young people to jobs and ensuring local leadership is at the heart of workforce solutions.
Why it matters
When young people thrive, so do our communities. Employment helps build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose and supports families to prosper. Every job created is a step towards a stronger, more connected New Zealand.
Our impact
Since its inception, MTFJ has supported thousands of young people into meaningful employment and training. By working hand-in-hand with local leaders, we’ve helped communities unlock their potential, create social cohesion and boost local economies. (Link to Impact report).
Core Group
The strategic direction and activity focus of MTFJ are guided by our Core Group drawn from the wider mayoral membership.
This Core Group, made up of mayors from across the country, is dedicated to enhancing employment outcomes for young people, ensuring MTFJ’s initiatives remain locally relevant and nationally impactful.
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Richard Hills, Auckland Council
Liz McMillan, Ashburton District Council
Moko Tepania, Far North District Council
Ben Bell, Gore District Council
Bernie Wanden, Horowhenua District Council
Marie Black, Hurunui District Council
Darren Ludlow, Invercargill City Council
Andy Watson, Rangitīkei District Council
Phil Nixon, South Taranaki District Council
Gary Petley, South Waikato District Council
Nigel Bowen, Timarū District Council
Craig Rowley, Waimate District Council
Craig Little, Wairoa District Council
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Chris Russell, Buller District Council
Steve Cretney, Carterton District Council
Will Foley, Central Hawkes Bay District Council
Tamah Alley, Central Otago District Council
Phil Mauger, Christchurch City Council
Jock Martin, Clutha District Council
Sophie Barker, Dunedin City Council
Rehette Stoltz, Gisborne District Council
Tania Gibson, Grey District Council
Wendy Schollum, Hastings District Council
Toby Adams, Hauraki District Council
Jonathan Larsen, Kaipara District Council
Craig Mackle, Kaikoura District Council
Janet Holborrow, Kāpiti Coast District Council
Faylene Tunui, Kawerau District Council
Scott Aronsen, Mackenzie District Council
Michael Ford, Manawatū District Council
Becks Johnson, Masterton District Council
Ash Tanner, Matamata-Piako District Council
Richard McGrath, Napier City Council
Max Brough, New Plymouth District Council
David Moore, Ōpōtiki District Council
Rodney Dow, Ōtorohanga District Council
Weston Kirton, Ruapehu District Council
Lydia Gliddon, Selwyn District Council
Fran Wilde, South Wairarapa DC
Robin Scott, Southland District Council
Neil Volzke, Stratford District Council
Scott Gilmore, Tararua District Council
Tim King, Tasman District Council
John Funnell, Taupō District Council
Peter Revell, Thames-Coromandel District Council
Dan Gordon, Waimakariri District Council
Melanie Tavendale, Waitaki District Council
John Robertson, Waitomo District Council
James Denyer, Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Helen Lash, Westland District Council
Nandor Tanczos, Whakatāne District Council
Andrew Tripe, Whanganui District Council
Ken Couper, Whangarei District Council
MTFJ Team
The MTFJ team manages the funding, strategy, and operational aspects of the taskforce.
The MTFJ national team is led by a small but dedicated staff who drive both advocacy and service delivery. They work closely with the mayoral collective to shape strategy, influence policy, and champion youth employment. At the same time, they collaborate with government, funders, and councils to activate local networks, manage funding, and support practical employment initiatives. Our team ensure MTFJ delivers real opportunities for young people while strengthening local economies and communities across Aotearoa. Together with dedicated MTFJ coordinators across the country, they’re helping to strengthen communities, grow local economies, and shape a future where every young person has a chance to succeed.
Mayor Bernie Wanden
MTFJ Interim Co-Chair
I have had the privilege of serving as Mayor of Horowhenua since 2019 and have recently been elected to my third term leading a district that is growing rapidly and full of potential. Stability, experience, and strong local relationships have been key to guiding Horowhenua through a period of significant change.
I’m deeply committed to ensuring that growth benefits everyone — especially our young people. Employment, training, and education are vital to our district’s success, and I see the work of the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs as essential in connecting rangatahi to local opportunities. Our people are our greatest asset, and by working together with local employers, iwi, and community organisations, we can help our youth find meaningful work and a strong sense of belonging right here in their hometowns.
Being part of MTFJ aligns strongly with my belief that good local leadership can transform communities — one opportunity at a time..
Mayor Andy Watson
MTFJ Interim Co-Chair
I am proud to serve as Mayor of the Rangitīkei District, a role I have held for four terms. With a background in agriculture, tourism, and small business, I bring a practical and community-focused approach to leadership. Over the years, I’ve worked alongside our residents to deliver vital infrastructure projects, strengthen local services, and maintain the character that makes Rangitīkei such a great place to live.
I’m passionate about ensuring that young people in our rural and small-town communities have access to local jobs and pathways into meaningful work. The Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs plays a crucial role in making that happen — connecting local employers with motivated rangatahi and supporting them into sustainable employment.
Strong communities are built on opportunity, inclusion, and care for one another. Through MTFJ, I’m proud to help ensure that our young people have every chance to succeed — not just for themselves, but for the future of our towns and regions.
Maree Brannigan
MTFJ Programme Manager
Maree Brannigan brings a diverse range of experiences from both her professional career and volunteer work to MTFJ. She has led various organisations and projects, focusing on workforce development, community engagement, education, New Zealand heritage, art, contract management, and international development with a Pacific focus.
Maree's journey began in her hometown of Eketahuna, where she left at 18 to pursue a Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Education at Massey University. She later pursued postgraduate studies in leadership and governance and has recently completed a Masters of Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout her career, she has lived and worked in different parts of New Zealand, from remote rural areas in Northland to Palmerston North and Auckland, as well as spending some time in the UK.
Maree is particularly interested in the role of local government in our communities at the local, regional, and national levels. She is excited about leveraging her experience and strategic focus to contribute to MTFJ's goals and aspirations.
Tammie Metcalfe,
MTFJ Programme Advisor
Tammie Metcalfe started her working life behind bars as a Corrections Officer for Manawatu Prison when she was only 20. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, working for Birthright, one of New Zealand's oldest NGOs before making the shift to Melbourne where she focused on helping vulnerable children with complex needs. Returning to NZ in the middle of Covid-19 pandemic, Tammie decided to devote her skills to supporting our young people in the MTFJ programme.
Tammie's experience has made her resilient and unshakable. She has witnessed the most difficult aspects of life, which has fuelled her determination to be a strong advocate for rangatahi and their families. Her goal is to prevent the recurring cycle of crisis situations from one generation to the next.
Beyond work, Tammie’s a busy Mum to twin girls and can be found spending her free time out in the garden, landscaping her new home or with her head in a book as she pursues a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Social Anthropology.
Looking for a job?
We can help you get where you want to be. Check out our job seekers page to learn more about how we can support you to take the next step that’s right for you.