Company-X cofounder joins Waikato Regional Skills Leadership Group

Hamilton-based software tech firm Company-X's cofounder and director David Hallett now has a place on the Waikato Regional Skills Leadership Group.

Hallett was elected as the group's information and communication technology (ICT) and creative representative, where he will help to increase opportunities for those who have become unemployed and those who want to make a career in ICT.

The Waikato Regional Skills Leadership Group was formed in June to help service the future skills and needs that the region will need in the short- and long-term future. The group assists with labour market planning to understand the education, workforce, and immigration systems and how they can support skills requirements.

The group's co-chair, Lale Ieremia, says the group will initially be the 'eyes and ears on the ground' and will build on work done by the Waikato Regional Labour Market Group.

"Each region in New Zealand is facing their own unique set of challenges and I am pleased that Government is keen to work with us as partners in the Waikato," says Ieremia.

"Our group is well-networked across the region thanks to the active role that Te Waka, Waikato's regional economic development agency, has already taken establishing a Regional Labour Market Strategy.

Currently, group members include economic development agencies, government representatives, industry representatives, iwi, and worker representatives.

Members include Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group chair Chris Lewis, Longveld managing director Pam Roa, Fosters Group chief operating officer Nigel Sun, Tokoroa High School principal William Ford, Waikato, Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust operations manager Ellie Wilkinson, Dairy Workers Union organising director Tom Buckley, FIRST Union trade union official Jax Oldham, Te Waka strategic partnerships and projects manager Michelle Hollands and Regional Public Service Lead Te Rehia Papesch.

The group is supported by a team of data analysts, policy advisors and workforce specialists at the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation.

Minister for Employment Willie Jackson says that these groups were planned before COVID-19.

"[They are] part of a joined-up approach to labour market planning which will see our workforce, education and immigration systems working together to better meet the differing skills needs across the country.

"This work is now more important than ever as COVID-19 is having a far-reaching impact on our regional labour markets. We have acted quickly to get these Groups going. They will help ensure we understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on jobs in Waikato and so can tailor the support provided," Jackson concludes.