Youth Voice – Champion youth for their future

It’s a tough job market out there and our young people are feeling it the most. Stats NZ recently confirmed a concerning trend unemployment is on the rise. As of early 2025, the national unemployment rate sits at 5.1 percent, but for young people aged 15-24, that figure jumps to 12.8 per cent. Closer to home, in the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board area, youth unemployment has risen by 24 per cent in the past year. While our local rate of 11.5 percent is slightly better than the national average, the sharp increase is of concern.

Economic downturns tend to hit young people hardest. Entry-level roles are often the first to be cut, and without experience, school leavers and graduates can find themselves shut out of an increasingly competitive job market. This all comes at an already challenging time of transition, finishing school, completing study, and stepping into the adult world. 

When job prospects dry up, the impact is personal. Youth unemployment can lead to discouragement, isolation, and mental health struggles. It can also have long-term consequences on confidence and career development.

Firstly, there’s a personal response. Having experienced unemployment after graduating, I know how disheartening it can be to send out application after application and hear nothing back. It can be challenging figuring out a sense of purpose and direction. However, this time can be formative and character building. It can be a dedicated to developing healthy life habits, volunteering, exploring new skills, and investing in supportive relationships. While it is time in the waiting room, it certainly doesn’t have to be time wasted! 

And secondly, as a community, we have a part to play. How can we invest in young people to get into work? For businesses and individuals in a strong position, is there a young person you can take a chance on? A job, an internship, a conversation, or even a word of encouragement can go a long way. 

I’ve seen first-hand the transformation that happens when young people are believed in. For example, one young man supported by a local youth worker and a business owner who took a chance on them, returned months later thriving in full-time work and with renewed confidence. He simply came back to say thank you. That moment of investment changed his direction.

Ageism can swing in both directions, and this column does not intend to dismiss people of all ages who have found themselves in unemployment. However, with youth unemployment disproportionately high, it’s time to pay special attention. We may not be able to fix the economy overnight but we can show up for our young people. Let’s be the kind of community that gives them a chance and champions their future.