Tasman Job Seekers Begin Vital Flood Recovery Work Under Government Programme

Eighteen job seekers have now rolled up their sleeves to help clear flood-damaged farms and orchards in Tasman, thanks to the Government’s Enhanced Task Force Green programme. The initiative follows severe flooding in late June that left widespread damage across the Nelson and Tasman regions, affecting rural properties, community spaces, and livelihoods.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston confirmed that $500,000 in funding was made available to employ job seekers for the clean-up effort. The Enhanced Task Force Green programme, designed to provide paid employment while supporting disaster recovery, has already placed all 18 available workers in positions within a single day of recruitment.

From Recruitment to Action

Work and Income service centres in Motueka and Richmond hosted recruitment seminars soon after the floods, attracting strong interest from locals wanting to help their communities while gaining employment. All roles were filled immediately, highlighting both the urgent need for recovery work and the willingness of Tasman residents to contribute.

These newly employed workers have undergone training and are now deployed across the region, tackling some of the most labour-intensive recovery tasks. Their work includes:

• Clearing damaged fence lines to restore farm boundaries.

• Removing silt, debris, and fallen trees from orchards and fields.

• Helping rehabilitate land so farming operations can resume quickly.

A Boost for the Local Economy and Morale

Minister Upston praised the teams for stepping up at a crucial time, noting that their work will help restore not just physical infrastructure but also the confidence of rural communities. “They’re doing vitally important work so people’s lives and the regional economy can bounce back,” she said.

The initiative also offers an important stepping stone for job seekers, providing paid experience, training, and connections that can lead to longer-term employment. MSD’s employment team will continue to work with other interested job seekers to place them in alternative roles within the recovery effort or the wider labour market.

Looking Ahead

With flood recovery expected to take months, the Enhanced Task Force Green teams will play a vital role in speeding up restoration and easing the burden on affected property owners. The Government has indicated that additional support could be considered if recovery needs remain high.