18406 (2025). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

18406 (2025). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does the Minister agree with the Ministry of Social Development that Maori trade training "is a proven programme that has in the last two years funded 17 Māori training and employment providers to design and deliver employment-focussed training programmes for 813 people with 254 participating in training" and if not, why not?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that as of 31 March 2025, the Māori Trades & Training Fund (MTTF) programme was funding 56 programmes. Reports from providers indicate that the MTTF has enrolled a total of 4,297 participants since its inception. Of these, 3,041 have moved into employment so far. The MTTF is a time-limited fund, which concludes on 30 June 2025. The Ministry of Social Development is working with active providers to support contract closure activities and recommend providers register with the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) to stay informed of future opportunities that may align with their services.