A manuka honey initiative launched in Northland is hoped to boost employment and education in the region.
Photo: AFP
The government yesterday launched an action plan for the region to get adults off the benefit, into employment and increase education opportunities for young people.
Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said 30 hectares of manuka cultivars would be planted at Northland College for honey production.
Almost 46 percent of people in Northland received some sort of benefit and the scheme will offer long-term employment for 15 adults to clear the site, plant and maintain the manuka.
It was hoped to be extended to 100 hectares by 2017.