Wellington, June 24 NZPA - Community Max programmes in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the East Coast will get a $17.4 million boost to tackle unemployment, Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett says.

The four regions were chosen because they have the highest rates of unemployment.

Associate Social Development Minister Tariana Turia said the increase would mean another 1500 young people would gain skills and experience while working with the community.

Ms Bennett said 82 percent of those who had completed the scheme had remained off a benefit and 43 percent were in work or training.

"This has been a win-win for young people and their communities with over 3000 placements already in community driven initiatives."

Community Max was launched last August.

With the help of government funding people aged 16 to 24 years old do a six-month placement to work on community or environmental projects.

Participants are paid at least the minimum wage and can get training related to their project.

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