From beneficiary to business owner: Levi s story
6 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Levi Menzies has started his own business after spending years on the sickness benefit. Photo / George Novak There were times I d go in there bawling my eyes out and say I can t accomplish this, it s too hard. Those are the words Levi Menzies uses to describe his journey off the sickness benefit and into work - with the help of the Ministry for Social Development.
The 27-year-old, who said he once suffered from low self-esteem and confidence, is now the boss of his own security company, in Tauranga - and he calls the shots.
Christopher Bennett, the World Bank engineer who developed the project, said phase one would see a total of nine homes built. This included two pensioners’ flats on council-owned land, behind the existing four pensioners’ cottages on Commercial Street. After 35 years, they would be donated to council. Another would be located in Rockville to host a landowner’s elderly parents, and another on residents Shirley and Paul Marcussen s land, in Hamama. A suitable tenant, or tenants, were currently being matched with them, Shirley Marcussen said. “We have a bit of spare land at the back of the property, and knowing there’s a housing shortage, we aren’t asking for any money [for hosting] because we re not in it for that.”
Want a job? Rotorua parks tourism and pulls out other guns
6 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
5 minutes to read
There are still jobs available in Rotorua but some sectors like tourism will continue to struggle. Photo / Getty Images
There are still jobs available in Rotorua but some sectors like tourism will continue to struggle. Photo / Getty Images
The Rotorua downturn in tourism and hospitality is likely to be offset by other sectors this year which will bring glad tidings for job seekers. Experts say 2021 would be challenging for some companies but on the bright side new businesses had opened and many of the iconic attractions had transformed their offerings.
Beneficiary finds plum job in the trades
6 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Daisylee Rogers has taken up a plumber, gas fitter and drain layer apprenticeship. Photo / Andrew Warner
Daisylee Rogers has taken up a plumber, gas fitter and drain layer apprenticeship. Photo / Andrew Warner
Daisylee Rogers apprenticeship journey began with a letter to a potential employer after she was made redundant because of Covid. The jobless former draftsperson for the building industry wrote to BOP Plumbing & Gas Ltd in Rotorua last year- and more than six months later she was given the opportunity to prove herself. I asked if they could take me on to do labouring or if they were looking for an apprentice anytime soon. I was so keen.
Lockdown at Christchurch Ministry of Social Development office after threat
1 Feb, 2021 09:43 PM
2 minutes to read
Anna Leask is a senior crime and justice reporter for the New Zealand Heraldanna.leask@nzherald.co.nz@AnnaLeask
The Ministry for Social Development office in Christchurch s Linwood went into lockdown after a threat on Tuesday.
MSD regional commissioner Dianne McDermott said: The safety of our clients and staff remains our top priority. As this is now a police matter, we re unable to comment further.
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Advertisement Early indications are it may be mental health related, however police are on scene now and we are waiting to hear back from local staff, said a spokeswoman.