Who We Work With

Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa, connecting around 4,000 individuals and organisations who work alongside young people across the motu.

MTFJ works with Ara Taiohi to align youth employment with wider youth development practice, drawing on their sector leadership, training, and advocacy to strengthen local delivery and ensure rangatahi are supported to thrive.

The Driving Change Network (DCN) is a collective of over 900 stakeholders working to create a fair and accessible driver licensing system that supports, rather than limits, people’s opportunities.

MTFJ partners with DCN to strengthen local efforts in driver education, training and licensing support, helping remove barriers that prevent young people from fully participating in work and community life.

The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand is part of a global group of charities founded by His Majesty The King, in 1976 and is dedicated to helping young people gain the confidence and skills to thrive in education, work, and enterprise.
MTFJ is working with The King’s Trust to open up new pathways for rangatahi, with a strong focus on growing youth entrepreneurship and enterprise.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the national membership body representing councils, advocating for local government and supporting strong local leadership.

MTFJ works with LGNZ to strengthen the connection between mayors and youth employment initiatives, ensuring councils are equipped to deliver opportunities that benefit their communities.

LGNZ is currently our legal entity partner and amplifies the work of MTFJ through their skills, networks, and national connections.

The Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) Industry Partnerships team works with businesses, training providers, government, and communities to address skills shortages and create quality employment opportunities.

Through our Community Employment Programme (CEP) contract with MSD Industry Partnerships, MTFJ supports councils and mayors to connect local rangatahi with real job opportunities, helping them into sustainable employment while meeting regional workforce needs.

Outward Bound is a leading outdoor education organisation that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership through challenge in the Marlborough Sounds.

MTFJ partners with Outward Bound to provide scholarships for young people nominated by mayors, equipping them with skills to thrive personally and contribute to their communities.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) plays a leadership role in shaping New Zealand’s national careers system, including Tahatū Career Navigator, the next-generation career planning website that helps people connect school subjects and qualifications to real-world career pathways. Recognising the power of these tools to inspire and inform, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) works with TEC to bring Tahatū and initiatives like Inspiring the Future directly into communities and schools. Through the influence of mayors and their local networks, MTFJ helps broaden rangatahi career horizons, challenge outdated stereotypes, and ensure that every young person - regardless of background - can see a future for themselves in the workforce.

Youth Employability Aotearoa (YEA) is a nationwide network of organisations and individuals dedicated to ensuring young people aged 13–30 have the skills, confidence, and support to thrive in the changing world of work.

MTFJ partners with YEA to connect mayors and councils with proven employability frameworks, amplifying youth work-readiness through national networks and resources.