Keen on Canter Valley

Establishing relationships with local businesses has proved vital in the success of Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ).

Robin Topia, 34, has recently been placed at Canter Valley through MTFJ.

Canter Valley supplies poultry products to food services and industries all over New Zealand. Their free-range poultry is grown locally on their farm in Rangiora.

Robin was referred to the Hurunui District Council’s (HDC) Business Recovery Advisor, Chris King by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), and has now been involved for four months.

MTFJ is a Government funded programme connecting local businesses with those displaced by COVID19 to create sustainable opportunities for both parties.

Before his placement Robin worked at Council helping the Maintenance Team with the parks and reserves, and the Community Team by participating in the ‘Positively Rotherham’ project and assisting with the Community Pool Parties.

Now at Canter Valley, cracking into the workforce, Robin is proud to be heading in a new direction.

“MTFJ has been awesome, I don’t think I would have this job without their help. It has given me the confidence I needed to do things myself and feel good about the work I am doing.”

Lachlan Dick, Business Manager at Canter Valley has been very enthusiastic about MTFJ.

“I’m very glad to be supporting the programme, I think it is a really promising way to get people established in viable employment.”

Not only has Lachlan helped to secure Robin in employment, but he is also going the extra mile to further his knowledge and skills within the industry.

“Currently Robin is doing primary processing and occasionally secondary processing. We are keen to multi skill him so he can be used in different areas of the business… He has had no issues fitting into our team and he is always doing good work.”

Lachlan added that he recently came across a local youth James Imlay, who is now employed at Canter Valley through MTFJ. James has an interest in poultry, and Lachlan looks forward to working with a young person who has found their niche.

Robin said that MTFJ has given him the opportunity he needed to get back on track, and the motivation to commit to the programme which needed to come from himself.

“I would definitely encourage others in my position to get involved, but you have to motivate yourself and really commit, it starts with you… I wanted to work and learn. I would recommend MTFJ to anyone.”