In 2020, Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA) launched Mahi Tika – Equity in Employment, an employment programme in the Waikato region that enhances the employment journey of disabled people. They are now recruiting for the next intake of Waikato-based participants to join the programme in August 2022, with workshops and mentoring taking place online.

The programme is designed and led by disabled people, for disabled people who seek sustainable employment. It has been developed in partnership with Waikato Tainui and aligns with the Enabling Good Lives principles of mana enhancing and self-determination. It is specifically designed to make use of the underutilized disabled workforce, focusing on empowering disabled people in the Waikato region to be working or training in the industry of their choice and supporting them to become mentors to other disabled people.

Participants on the programme come together with other disabled job seekers to participate in workshops that build employment skills and confidence. They receive mentoring from Kaitiaki/Enhancers who build trust through individual mentoring sessions and support participants on their individual journeys.

The programme is possible thanks to the support of Trust Waikato – Te Puna o Waikato and the Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.

To find out more visit www.mahitika.org.nz