Hon Brian Donnelly

NZ First spokesperson on employment
http://www.nzfirst.org.nz/

1. What are your employment policies? What employment initiatives will your government take?

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on a number of employment issues of concern to your readers. New Zealand First has not yet released all of its policies. In the absence of a comprehensive policy document the following should give a general outline of our philosophy and intent. New Zealand First believes that if we are going to reduce unemployment we must actively intervene to grow the economy. This means providing incentives to businesses which create more jobs.

2. What is your party view on the future of work and income?

No comment provided.

3. What changes, if any, would you make to the new Winz department?

The one-stop-shop was a New Zealand First initiative. We believe in a case management approach and will retain and refine the approach where necessary.

We would loosen the criteria binding the actions of the Regional Commissioner to enable the community wage scheme to work efficiently and to allow community workers to be employed in a broader range of situations.

4. What are your policies on the Community Wage?

We started the community wage and are committed to the concept of reciprocal obligations. We believe the definition of community work should be broadened.

5. Will you make any changes or additions to the Winz employment subsidised work programmes?

We would seek to expand the WINZ employment subsidised work programmes.

6. What are your policies and initiatives on education and training for the unemployed?

We will change the perverse initiatives which private training providers presently face to positive incentives for quality educational outcomes.

7. How will you encourage local government to be active in solving unemployment?

We will make involvement in employment issues a local government responsibility with appropriate accountabilities.

8. How will you encourage community groups working in this field?

We will remove many of the hurdles currently preventing community groups from achieving their objectives.