Timaru needs to harness youth employment

Timaru could become a victim of its own economic success if it doesn't manage to harness youth employment.

This has been the warning of Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport, in the wake of a report that reveals the district's positive economic growth.

The economic agency's recently commissioned Infometrics report reveals the district's economy grew 2.2 per cent in the year ending March 2018, slightly above the average for the Canterbury region (2.1 per cent) and the fastest since 2015.

However, Davenport said while the economic picture looks good, there were some not insignificant challenges.

In particular, Davenport said there was a need to retain young people after secondary school.

"It's fair to say that we have a diverse local economy, but with growth comes the need for more employees. Attracting people from other parts of the country is just shifting the chairs on New Zealand Inc," Davenport said.

Read the full story here: Timaru Herald

Read our Timaru District- Quarterly Economic Monitor Report March 2018