PostSource: New Zealand GovernmentA unique Government and community funding initiative will support dozens of at-risk young people to experience the rural work environment through access to hands-on learning within the primary industries, Youth Minister James Meager has announced. The NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, to deliver a minimum ten-week ‘Agri Futures Pathways’ pilot programme for those aged 12 to 24 years in the lower North Island, over 13 months. Mr Meager says The Trust is matching that investment for a total of $200,000, providing twice the opportunity for young people to benefit, at no additional taxpayer cost. “They will also be supported to compete in Clash of the Colleges, a national secondary school competition that focuses on agriculture, horticulture, and primary industry skills. “These opportunities open doors for young people who would have likely otherwise missed out.