Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has begun the year meeting with employers in Timaru, encouraging businesses to consider local jobseekers first when filling vacancies.

Speaking at the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) Timaru Business After 5 event, Ms Upston highlighted how MSD can support employers by connecting them with jobseekers who have the right skills and are a good fit for their workplace.

She said the event provided an opportunity for MSD and local businesses to strengthen partnerships and better align workforce needs.

Ms Upston pointed to the strong working relationship between MSD and major employer Fonterra as an example of effective collaboration. She said MSD teams had worked at both national and regional levels to understand Fonterra’s workforce requirements and respond accordingly.

“I’ve been pleased to see MSD build trust and confidence with local employers by taking the time to understand their business, goals, and workplace culture,” she said. “That understanding helps match employers with local jobseekers who are ready to work.”

Ms Upston said MSD supports businesses by tailoring its approach to individual employers and drawing from New Zealand’s largest pool of jobseekers.

“Recruitment isn’t just about filling a role — it’s about unlocking potential and creating lasting opportunities,” she said. “Partnering with MSD helps businesses succeed while also supporting employment outcomes.”

According to MSD figures, 81 percent of people in the Southern region who have been receiving Jobseeker Support for less than a year have previous work experience, while around 47 percent have worked in moderately to highly skilled roles.

Ms Upston encouraged employers of all sizes and industries to engage with MSD to explore how the agency can help meet their staffing needs.

“MSD has people ready to start work now,” she said.