‘This is huge news for our region,” says Chris Tremain. “I want to thank Hawke’s Bay employers for showing the confidence to create additional employment in what has been a tight economic market.”

‘This is especially good news for young people,” says Craig Foss. “Nationally figures show that although they have been hit hardest by the recession they are also over half the number of people that came off the benefit last month; I am thrilled.”

“It’s been great to see local WINZ staff placing youth into the Community Max and Job Ops program. Well done and thank you!” they add.

Hawke’s Bay has a large seasonal workforce and much of this work will remain until the end of April.

‘One of the wider goals of our Government is to keep this momentum going through the winter,” says Mr Tremain. “Even though seasonal work will wind down then, there are signs that the economy is starting to grow once more and this is a good sign for employment”.

‘The National policies like Job Ops and Community Max have helped our region better weather the recession,’ says Mr Foss. ‘We are looking forward to the future.”

‘We are absolutely thrilled that our cycle trail project has been selected out of the 54 put forward,’ says Tukituki MP Craig Foss.’ This is an important step of the process and I want to congratulate those who have worked hard on this project, in particular the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Graeme Hansen of the Works Group and Michael Bassett-Foss of Venture Hawkes Bay.’

“What I’m really excited about is the vision for the wider cycle trail in Hawke’s Bay” says Chris Tremain. “This is just stage one. Stage two and three will complete the picture of three iconic rides around the bay. This will mean cycle tourists can stay in any part of the province and access the three rides over a number of days.”

‘It is envisaged that there will be a nationwide network of iconic Great Rides,’ adds Mr Foss.  ‘Having Hawke’s Bay as one of them is very exciting; it will be a great boost to Tourism and Employment’

‘We should not underestimate what this could do for Tourism in Hawke’s Bay,’ says Mr Tremain. ‘I am very hopeful that we will one-day soon be able to show off our stunning scenery and fantastic hospitality to a whole new tourist clique.’

Both MPs agree that Hawke’s Bay’s bid was advantaged by the initial work undertaken by the Rotary Clubs of Hawke’s Bay and the City Councils.  They say that these organisations have laid the foundations for an outstanding cycling experience.
While the Tukituki ride is the first to be accepted the bid also included applications for iconic rides through the Ngatarawa Wine region and a loop down the Tutaekuri River to Otatara Pa and then out to Bay View along the Estuary.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and construction of the chosen Cycle Trails will begin by the end of the year.
For further information about Nga Haeranga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway <http://www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway> .

“This is fantastic news for young people in Hawke’s Bay wanting the opportunity to get into employment.”

The extra Job Ops places are on top of the 4000 announced in August.

“We believe this is well spent money. This programme is delivering concrete results.” says Craig Foss.

“In the East Coast region 215 jobs have been created and 142 filled since the scheme began.

“As students return to Hawke’s Bay for the summer we want to help them in finding summer work, which is why the Government is supporting Student Job Search in targeting individuals and businesses with jobs that need doing,” says Chris Tremain.

“This year more than 160,000 students are registered with Student Job Search and we’re determined to connect them with the right people.