How MTFJ helped Admire find his path
Published on 15 January 2026
Pictured from left to right: Steve Hall - Meat the The Beach owner, Simone Hughes - Whangamatā Youth Trust, Admire Hardwidge and Helen Flynn - our Council’s Community Partnerships Co-ordinator.
When Admire Hardwidge was given the opportunity to pursue a butchery career last year, he wasn’t just starting a new job - he was beginning a new chapter in life.
Originally from Taumarunui and with a background in dairy farming, Admire was looking for a fresh start. Thanks to the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme (CEP) and Meat at the Beach in Whangamatā, he found it.
“I used to be a little rascal when I was younger,” Admire laughs. “This opportunity has helped me mature and my mental health has gone through the roof - it’s better now.”
Owners Steve Hall and Janene Braithwaite say finding staff in butchery is tough. “It’s hard to get employees interested in the field because it’s hard work,” Janine explains. “But Admire’s attitude is amazing. He’s willing to give everything a go, takes feedback on board, and just gets on with it.”
From preparing sausages and slicing bacon to setting up the display cabinet and cleaning, Admire is learning every part of the process. “We’re really impressed with where he is already,” says Janine. “He’s resilient, and he doesn’t take things personally. Plus, it’s great hearing him and Steve cracking up out the back - it’s hard work, but they’re having fun.”
Recently, Meat at the Beach won a bronze medal for their Real Beef sausage in the 2025 Dunninghams Great NZ Sausage Competition (pictured left) - one of the sausages Admire helps make. “We were very proud to have Admire and the team represent us at the prize giving,” says Janine. “It’s a real testament to the quality of work and the pride he takes in learning the craft.”
The journey wasn’t just about skills - it was about support. MTFJ helped with essentials like uniforms and even assisted Admire in getting his full driver’s licence. CEP is a nationwide partnership between MTFJ and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), focused on getting young people into sustainable employment. It works at a grassroots level, giving councils the power and funding to tailor solutions to local challenges. “We wouldn’t have found him without MTFJ,” Janine says. “The support from Simone Hughes, (Whangamatā Youth Trust), and Helen Flynn, (Thames-Coromandel District Council Community Partnerships Co-ordinator), to match the right person and keep in touch has been priceless.”
Steve and Janene have found their partnership with MTFJ so rewarding that they’ve continued working closely with the team to bring another young jobseeker on board. Mana joined the Meat at the Beach team at the end of October 2025, and like Admire, he’s proving to be a great asset. Steve and Janene describe these rangatahi as outstanding employees and remain committed to helping them learn, grow, and build successful careers in the industry.
Admire’s advice for other young people? “Hard mahi my guys. That’s all you need. Head down, mahi on, and you’ll get somewhere in life.”
Looking ahead, Admire sees himself running the shop in five years. For now, he’s focused on learning and maybe starting an apprenticeship after the busy summer season.
“It’s fantastic to hear yet another local success story through the MTFJ programme,” says Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Peter Revell. “These young people are the future of our district, and when we see employers like Steve and Janene stepping up to provide opportunities, it makes our community one to be truly admired. Their commitment not only strengthens local businesses but helps build a stronger, more resilient Coromandel for generations to come.”
This is what MTFJ’s Community Employment Programme (CEP) is all about - community-led solutions making a real difference. MTFJ recognises that one size doesn’t fit all, and CEP demonstrates what can be achieved when central and local government work in partnership. Through its collaboration with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), MTFJ unites mayors across Aotearoa in a shared vision: engaging all young people aged 16–24 in meaningful employment, education, or training within their communities.
About Mayors Taskforce for Jobs
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a movement of mayors around Aotearoa advocating for a bottom-up approach to employment solutions. The Community Employment Programme (CEP) is a nationwide partnership between MTFJ and MSD, delivering great outcomes in rural and provincial communities. Since its inception in 2020, CEP has placed thousands of young people into sustainable employment.
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