Minister Upston and MSD Highlight Canterbury's Hidden Talent Pool Through Chamberworks
Business Canterbury recently welcomed Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Social Development and Employment and Minister for Disability Issues, alongside MSD Regional Commissioner Blair McKenzie, to discuss how Chamberworks is helping employers connect with talent and build workforce capability.
The event highlighted a clear message for Canterbury businesses: there is a significant pool of skilled and motivated people available for work, and employers have access to more support than many realise.
A Talent Pool Worth Considering
Blair McKenzie shared insights into the depth of experience within MSD's talent pool, noting that MSD currently supports nearly 38,000 degree-qualified clients nationally.
In Canterbury, jobseekers bring experience from a wide range of industries, including:
- Hospitality, tourism and retail – 5,800 people.
- Transport, logistics and manufacturing – 5,000 people.
- Construction – 2,900 people.
- Business support and contact centre roles – 3,400 people.
Approximately 40% of Canterbury jobseekers have been receiving a benefit for less than a year, and over half of this group have experience in moderately to highly skilled roles.
More Than a Recruitment Service
Delivered through New Zealand Chambers of Commerce in partnership with MSD, Chamberworks is designed to make recruitment simpler by connecting employers with pre-screened candidates. Employers submit a vacancy through chamberworks.nz, MSD identifies suitable candidates and provides a shortlist, reducing the time and effort involved in recruitment.
The support extends beyond hiring, with employers able to access assistance with onboarding, training, subsidies and ongoing support to help create sustainable employment outcomes.
The Transformative Power of Employment
Minister Upston spoke about the life-changing impact employment can have on individuals, families and communities. She reflected on the Government's goal of reducing the number of people receiving Jobseeker Support by 50,000 by 2030 and noted that 85,000 people moved from welfare into employment in the year to May 2026.
A strong focus of the Minister's address was the importance of supporting young people into employment. She highlighted that a young person who enters the welfare system before the age of 25 will, on average, spend another 20 years on welfare, underscoring the value of early intervention and employer engagement.
Rather than viewing young people as a risk, employers were encouraged to see them as part of their future workforce and to invest in developing capability for the long term.
Building More Inclusive Workplaces
Speaking in her capacity as Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston highlighted the opportunity for employers to connect with an often-underutilised talent pool. She noted that one in six New Zealanders are disabled, and that almost three-quarters of those not currently in employment want to work. The Minister also encouraged employers to explore the Government's 1 in 6 NZ initiative, which provides practical guidance on making workplaces more accessible, often through low-cost or no-cost changes.
Supporting Workforce Capability
In addition to recruitment support, Chamberworks provides employers with access to digital and AI upskilling programmes, micro-learning courses focused on areas such as customer service and time management, and wellbeing resources that can support both new and existing employees.
As Blair McKenzie noted, the partnership between MSD and the Chamber network creates a practical way to connect business demand with talent already available in our communities.
For Canterbury employers looking to fill vacancies, grow capability and plan for future workforce needs, Chamberworks offers a practical pathway to finding the right people while supporting better employment outcomes across the region.
To learn more about Chamberworks or discuss your workforce needs, visit chamberworks.co.nz or contact the Business Canterbury team.
Business Canterbury will continue bringing together business leaders, industry experts and decision-makers to explore the issues shaping our region's future. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events, including our South Island Election Conference, as we continue these important conversations.