“You are valued stakeholders in our community, and we are delighted to be able to host such an event with you.” MSD’s labour market manager Flo Samuels’ dynamic energy filled the room and echoed Business North Harbour’s (BNH’s) enthusiasm for the organisations’ burgeoning new partnership. Along with Albany Community Link service centre manager Nicky Spencer and work services manager Denise Bayne, the team dispelled many of the perceptions about MSD and particularly highlighted how Covid-19 has impacted Auckland’s labour market.

The pandemic has driven an additional 70,000 New Zealanders towards accessing the welfare system. By way of an example, there were more than 170 applicants for a recent part-time admin job. People who would have never previously come into an MSD office until it was time to sort out their pension, are now coming through the doors. Unfortunately, due to unawareness of MSD services, some have been hesitant to ask for help and have inevitably delayed signing up.

MSD helps clients prepare and be ready to re-enter the labour market. “And you are pivotal to that,” Flo said to the business owners in the room. MSD‘s services for business include:

• Running “employer days” at no cost to the business
• A multitude of employment and training programmes
• Recruitment services, including shortlisting and vetting candidates
• Post-placement support

MSD employment services are available to all New Zealanders, which includes helping school leavers transition into the workforce.

“Employment helps transform communities,” Flo commented. “The private and public sector have to come together. Working collectively and collaboratively is how we’ll beat Covid.”

How can North Harbour’s business owners support MSD?

• Contact your local MSD branch and inform MSD of your recruitment needs.
• Helping MSD to better understand your industry and workplace should be part of your recruitment solution.

The concise presentations by Nicky, Denise and Flo were preceded and followed by a flurry of conversations between business owners and MSD team members. MSD has had its base in Corinthian Drive for 15 years – and yet many locals are not aware of its presence. It was clear that this event had opened attendees’ eyes to the possibilities available and was surely the start of many rewarding business partnerships. It is hoped that these events will become a regular fixture in the BNH calendar.

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