Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Today, I announced a $2.65 million funding boost for three programmes supporting rangatahi to overcome barriers to employment, education, and training. This funding will help up to 165 young people in Wellington, Porirua, and Christchurch gain the skills needed to sustain long-term employment, education, or training, building on the success of previous He Poutama Rangatahi investments across regional and urban areas in New Zealand. Eighty-eight percent of rangatahi engaged in He Poutama Rangatahi are Māori or Pacific, and He Poutama Rangatahi has proven that it helps Māori prepare for the workforce and navigate the pathways towards aspirational, secure, and sustainable employment.