Kia Kaha Queenstown Lakes workshops start this month, offering free sessions with job-related advice for community members to attend in both Wanaka and Queenstown.

The workshops will provide accurate, independent information and advice regarding current job opportunities in the district, business support, retraining and career advice, together with income support options, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said.

QLDC Kia Kaha organiser Marie Day said the reintroduction of the workshops was an important step towards the district's recovery from COVID-19. A number of residents are looking for new work or how to understand what support is available to them right now, she said.

"Whether people are looking for a new job, or wondering about a career change or new study and looking for advice on how they should proceed, Kia Kaha Queenstown Lakes workshops can help them take their next step," Marie said.

"Workshops are also available for business owners looking to understand what services and financial products are available to help support their business and staff."

Workshops begin in Queenstown today (Monday October 5) and in Wanaka from next Monday (October 12). All sessions are free to attend and require registration. A timetable and more information is available here.

Kia Kaha also coincides with a Jobbortunities event - billed as 'speed-dating for jobs' - which is being delivered by the Clutha District Council mayor's taskforce for jobs. Jobbortunities has thousands of vacancies to fill with companies including Fonterra, Danone and Silver Fern Farms.

There is a free bus available to take Wanaka residents to the Jobbortunities event, which is being held from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturday October 10, at the Queenstown Memorial Centre. To register for the bus, click here.

There is also an immigration and visa advice event being held at the Queenstown Memorial Centre a day earlier, on Friday October 9, from 10:00am- 3:00pm. 

No registration is required to attend either the immigration and visa advice event or Jobbortunities.

PHOTO: Supplied