• This paper is based on a series of workshops vivian Hutchinson gave in 1998 to the co-ordinators of the Local Employment Co-ordination groups, and also his speech to the Summer Heart Politics Gathering at the Tauhara Centre in Taupo, in January 1999.

• vivian Hutchinson is a trustee of The Jobs Research Trust and the editor of The Jobs Letter which publishes essential information on employment, unemployment and the future of work and income. He is a long-time writer and activist on employment issues, and provider of social services in Taranaki.

vivian has been one of the pioneers in community-based action for jobs in New Zealand, especially in establishing programmes for the support and education of unemployed people. He was a founder of the Taranaki Work Trust, and its associated projects in the Starting Point Employment Resource Centre, Skills of Enterprise Business Courses, and the Enterprise Centre. He has been involved in establishing many practical training programmes for unemployed people, and also local trading networks such as local employment and trading networks such as Green Dollars.

• The Jobs Research Trust was established in 1994 to "develop and distribute information that will help our communities create more jobs and reduce unemployment and poverty in New Zealand."

Contact: P.O.Box 428, New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ phone 06-753-4434

email jobs.research@jobsletter.org.nz or visit the internet website at www.jobsletter.org.nz

• For current "Statistics That Matter" on the levels of employment and unemployment in New Zealand, also visit the website at www.jobsletter.org.nz/stt/stathome.htm