A new employment support position has been created in Fiordland in recognition of the significant impact of COVID-19 has had upon Fiordland’s tourism industry and the area’s employment.

Great South has appointed Glyn Saunders to the role of Fiordland Employment and Resource Planner, which has been established in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and MBIE to identify and implement redeployment opportunities in the Fiordland community. The position will be based mainly in Te Anau.

Great South GM for Business Services, Ben Lewis, said an immediate focus for the regional agency was to develop and support initiatives that retained jobs and a skilled workforce across the region, and this was a clear example of the activity taking place in this area.

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“With Fiordland still reeling from the effects of COVID-19 and the absence of international visitors, this position will provide on the ground support for Fiordland jobseekers and businesses, working closely with them to source labour, help with training and upskilling, and retain talent within the local community.” 

Mr Lewis said Mr Saunders brought had extensive experience in project management and would be an asset to both the Great South team and the Fiordland community. 

A strong focus of the role would be on redeploying Fiordland jobseekers with roles within the Fiordland area and connecting them with the government agencies and support packages available. 

Mr Saunders would also manage demand for resources for recovery projects, assist local employers with accessing funding opportunities, work closely with education providers in the areas to establish connections into apprenticeships programmes and employment opportunities, and support the coordination of the ‘Jobs for Nature’ scheme in Fiordland. 

Great South Chief Executive Graham Budd said the appointment of the Fiordland Employment and Resource Planner highlighted the commitment and support Great South has to strengthen the region’s workforce. 

“From working with youth, skilled migrants, businesses looking to recruit and now directly with Fiordland job seekers, we are focused on developing a stronger and more resilient workforce which will support the economic recovery in Fiordland and the wider Southland region,” he said.

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Mr Saunders will start the role on October 5 and said he was looking forward to contributing to the work Great South was doing to strengthen Southland’s future workforce. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Fiordland community and key Southland stakeholders to respond to employment challenges in the area and make a positive and long-lasting impact. I believe my experience in managing projects across the world and understanding of the current market will ensure the Fiordland community can benefit from the support set to be on offer.”