Lots of good news on local employment
Fast food fans now have plenty of choice with the new Burger King opening in Levin recently, and a Wendy’s franchise gearing up to build in Paraparaumu.
I cut the ribbon on the new Burger King and the queues were out the door. 40 local jobs have been created - I had a go serving behind the counter and I can tell you it’s not that easy.
After a tough few years for the economy, there are lots of positive things happening on the local job front.
The new Mitre 10 Megacentre opened in Kapiti earlier this year, with around 70 new jobs created. I’ve been lucky enough to have a tour behind the scenes and it’s a very impressive operation.
Around 300 new jobs are expected at the Kapiti Airport Business Centre, especially once direct flights to Auckland start in October. Air links and an interchange off the new expressway will make this a great spot for local businesses and employers to base themselves.
The new, refurbished New World in Levin also opened earlier this year. Owner Barry Rollinson employs around 200 people, making him one of the biggest employers in town.
Construction on a new $100 million retirement village at Waikanae is beginning soon. I’m sure this will mean plenty of work for local contractors, and for staff once it’s complete. In total it will house 450 residents once finished.
Businesses like the new McCafe, Focal Point cinema and the Alliance Meatworks have all provided new jobs in Levin recently.
In Otaki the new Cleantech Centre has opened, based around firms using clean and green technology.
A big focus for the government is making it easier for employers to take staff on. This is why we brought in the 90 day trial for new workers, which has helped create around 13,000 new jobs. This gives employers and employees a chance to see how things are working. Without it, many employers just wouldn’t take the risk.
Last month I brought the Minister of Social Development, Paula Bennett to the electorate to discuss employment and welfare issues. The ‘Job Ops’ scheme has been a big help over the last couple of years, subsidising young people into employment and creating opportunities.
Of course we’ve also had tax cuts, for workers and businesses with 73% of earners now paying no more than 17.5% in tax. Reforms to ACC will also make a difference by rewarding safe employers and offering competition.
The good news is we can expect 170,000 new jobs throughout New Zealand over the next four years, and higher wages, as the economy recovers.
It’s great to be a part of John Key’s Government which has been made pragmatic decisions helping us through the recession and helping to build a brighter future.