Mahi Tika – Equity in Employment
Mahi Tika was launched by DPA in September 2020 with the aim of having at least 25 disabled people from the Waikato region training or working in an industry of their choice.
To support this broader objective, the programme had three specific aims:
- Supporting disabled people in the Waikato region to work or train in the industry of their choice
- Training participants to become mentors of other disabled people seeking training or employment
- Working with local employers and industry partners to create inclusive workplaces.
At present, work is currently underway to redesign Mahi Tika to adjust and strengthen the programme going forward.
Core elements identified for redevelopment include peer support structures, lived-experience leadership, and strong advocacy for inclusive workplaces.
The redesign approach will be community-centred, actively involving local stakeholders in shaping the programme’s direction.
Also, by forming collaborative partnerships and leveraging the strengths of local organisations and individuals, Mahi Tika aims to create a more resilient, responsive, and inclusive employment support programme that better meets the needs of disabled people living in the Waikato area.