Gr8 Job Hauraki

30/04/2026

Getting a licence is one of the most important steps our rangatahi can take toward independence, employment, and future opportunities. Starting that journey early opens more doors and builds confidence. Recent changes to the licensing system mean there are now much tougher consequences for learner drivers who do not follow the conditions of their licence.
It is more important than ever to understand the rules, take the process seriously, and get the right support from the beginning. Read through the changes so there are no surprises!

If you get demerit points on your restricted car licence between 7 May 2026 and 24 January 2027, time could be added to your minimum restricted licence period on 25 January 2027.

Each time you get demerits, it will extend your restricted period by 6 months.

If you get demerits more than once, you’ll have to wait an extra 6 months each time.

This change will improve road safety for everyone by encouraging inexperienced drivers to drive safely.

If you keep a clean driving record and don’t get any demerits, you won’t have to wait any extra time.

Demerit points are issued by police officers for offences including:
- Speeding
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Mobile phone use.

Some things to be aware of:
- if you get demerit points after 7 May but move to your full licence before 25 January, your restricted period won’t be extended
- The extension only applies to people who are still on their restricted licence after 25 January
- Any demerit points you get before 7 May won’t affect your restricted period
- Offences that don’t incur demerit points, such as safety camera fines, won’t add time to your restricted period.

This is the first of the driver licensing system changes announced by the Government in February to start since the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026 was signed into law earlier this month.

Several other changes to car licences start on 25 January next year:
- Drivers will no longer need to sit a practical test to move from the restricted to the full licence
- The hazard perception test will be included in the restricted practical test
- The learner period for under 25s is extending from 6 to 12 months, with an option to reduce this to 6 months by recording supervised driving hours or completing an approved practical course
- The restricted licence period for under 25s is reducing from 18 to 12 months
- Eyesight tests will no longer be needed when applying for restricted and full car and motorcycle licences.

These changes do not affect overseas licence conversions or senior drivers.

If you're progressing through the car driver licensing system this year, make sure your contact details are up-to-date so we can let you know how the changes may affect you: https://transact.nzta.govt.nz/transactions/ChangeOfAddress/entry

For more information on the changes: https://nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/getting-a-licence/proposed-changes-to-graduated-driver-licensing/moving-to-the-new-car-licence-system -demerits

For more on demerit points: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/demerit-points

Read the full rule: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2026/79/en/latest/

09/04/2026

Update - training has been postponed due to weather coming in. We will be in office after all.

Heads up Gr8 Job whanau,
The Gr8 Job office will be closed
Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th April 2026 for training purposes.
We will be checking our messages and emails regularly.

15/03/2026

26/02/2026

Gr8 Job Hauraki is all about local jobs for local youth!

Are you:
- A Work & Income client aged 18 - 24 years receiving a jobseeker benefit, and
- Hold New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or a residence class visa under the Immigration Act 2009, and
- Reside in the Hauraki

If so, we offer a free employment service to help you find your fit.

You may still be eligible to benefit from our services if you are aged 16 to 24 years who are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET) and are not currently receiving a New Zealand jobseeker benefit.

You will get support from our friendly staff who will help you with mahi ready skills, find a job and settle in smoothly.

Jobseekers, register with Gr8 Job Hauraki:
https://forms.hauraki-dc.govt.nz/gr8-job-hauraki-employees/

Employers, send through your vacancies and we will be in touch: https://forms.hauraki-dc.govt.nz/gr8-job-hauraki-employers/

Gr8 Job Hauraki-find your fit.
Karawhiua Hauraki. Kei a koe te tikanga.

12/02/2026

The Power of Support and Hard Work:

Ella Grace - From Young Mum to Business Owner & Future Midwife

When I first met the incredible team at Gr8 Job Hauraki, I was a young mum to my daughter, Anaiah, still trying to figure out my path in life. I had big dreams but wasn’t quite sure how to bring them to life. The beauty industry was calling me, and somewhere in the back of my mind, midwifery was quietly waiting too.

With the support and encouragement from Gr8 Job Hauraki, I took that leap of faith into beauty — and I’m proud to say I started my own small business! What once felt like a distant dream became my reality.

Fast forward to now — I’m juggling life with my amazing three-year-old, studying a four-year midwifery degree, and still fitting in beauty clients whenever I can. It’s busy. It’s challenging. But it’s worth it.

I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and somehow, things always work out the way they’re meant to. My daughter Anaiah is my biggest motivation — she keeps me grounded, reminds me what matters most, and strengthens my resilience every single day.

I’m so excited for what’s ahead and for the day I can call myself a qualified midwife.

To all rangatahi out there — reach out and grab every bit of support offered to you with both hands. Back yourself. Dream big. Work hard.

Anything is possible.

29/01/2026

Here is the first of our THROWBACK THURSDAY stories. We ran a post late in 2023 about Jeziah who found mahi through Gr8 Job Hauraki. Here is Jeziah's update.
When I returned to NZ in 2023, I found it harder than expected to get back into work. Nicola at Gr8 Job Hauraki helped with job searching, updating my CV and cover letter, and gaining extra licences. Along with music, exercise and a little faith, this support helped build my resilience.
I worked hard to follow my dream of becoming a diesel mechanic, and I’m now in Perth working in underground mining, surrounded by big machines and excited about the opportunities ahead.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to slow down. It’s okay not to have everything sorted. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — a bit of guidance can go a long way.

27/01/2026

Throwback Thursday is coming!
We’re sharing real stories from young people who started with Gr8 Job Hauraki and are now smashing it in their jobs and careers.

From first job jitters to big wins—these are the journeys that prove what’s possible.
Stay tuned, get inspired, and see where hard work can take you. Bring on 'Throwback Thursday!'

11/01/2026

Bring on 2026.
We are back!
Office open from
Monday January 12th 2026.

23/12/2025

Meri Kirihimete from the Gr8 Job team!

We are closed for the holiday period, reopening on Monday 12th January 2026.

See you all on the other side!

09/12/2025

“Stronger Than I Knew: My Outward Bound Awakening”

“It’s hard to put how life changing this experience was in just a few sentences. It challenged me mentally and physically, but it has helped me overcome so much as a person by the end of it.

My favourite part of all was being able to challenge myself in multiple areas where I would've otherwise given up and it showed me how capable and resilient I was.
My biggest challenge at Outward Bound would have been opening up to the people around me and letting them know the true me. I was so lucky that I was surrounded by amazing instructors and a group of people that I felt comfortable with. I was able to open up to them within the third day and they showed nothing but support and encouragement.

I think this experience has truly shown me that you’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to as long as you don't let your body and mind tell you otherwise. This is why I'm going back next year to finish the Queen Charlotte track in Anakiwa. To sum it up Outward Bound was an experience of a lifetime, mind and body altering and just an amazing way to discover what you're truly capable of.”

26/11/2025

“Wow, where to start!

Before I joined Gr8 Job Hauraki I was really unmotivated to find a work placement. I had been on a job-seeker benefit for maybe 3 months and honestly thought it was going nowhere. When I was first contacted by Gr8 Job Hauraki, I will admit I was a little hesitant at first. However, when I went in for my first meeting they were honestly just so easy to talk to and work with. I knew it was going to be a good outcome for me.

Gr8 Job Hauraki was an amazing team to work with and showed genuine interest and dedication to helping me find a placement in work which made me much more dedicated as-well. In about three weeks they found me an amazing work experience role, with Harcourts Gold Star, that suited me so well and had also utilised an MSD employer product which helped with the placement. I was also offered an amazing experience in between that for a scholarship to the 8 day Outward Bound Discovery Course.

I genuinely wouldn't be where I am today without the team behind Gr8 Job Hauraki. I have so much to thank them for and I have become a much better person since starting with them. I can highly recommend them to anyone looking for help in finding work – they are the best team I have ever worked with no doubt!!
Arohanui – Alexia❤️”