Biosecurity and conservation jobs earmarked for redeployed workers

NEW PROJECTS IN NORTHLAND, EAST COAST, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury are part of the Government’s $100 million redeployment support package announced in March to tackle the invasive weed, wilding pines – a $4.6 billion dollar threat to farmland, waterways and ecosystems.

Up to 160 redeployed workers are set to pick up jobs in 55 such biosecurity and conservation projects to get the regional economy moving again, say Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.

“As we rebuild the economy, linking up people and jobs is vital,” says Mr O’Connor.

“This is work that needs to be done and what we’ve done is accelerate projects which also saves money, as the cost of removing wilding pines rises by 30% each year.

“Forestry workers were among the first to feel the economic impact of COVID-19. Their skills translate well to what’s needed for wilding pine pest management, ranging from pulling young trees by hand to skilled chainsaw operation, to operating heavy machinery,” he says.

In turn, the new opportunities in conservation jobs are in track maintenance, planting, and pest and weed control, says Mr Sage.

“This is an initial set of projects. DOC is working with councils, iwi and community organisations to identify opportunities to ramp up conservation jobs to help communities recover from COVID-19 while giving nature a helping hand.

“Redeployment brings the opportunity to develop new skills, and with on-the-job training, online certifications can be earned relatively quickly. Retraining will be a key part of the country’s economic recovery,” he adds.

Opportunities for similar projects exist in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Central North Island, with projects also being scouted in Marlborough, Otago and Canterbury, to give the greatest amount of workers the chance to work close to home. The new projects will provide work for three to six months at a time.

NZL