Seeking conservation champions
Bird surveyor, ecological restoration officer, conservation dog handler, kiwi husbandry, pest controller – these are just some of the roles Bay Conservation Cadets have gone on to secure after their 12-week employment and training programme.
Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi is an employment and training programme under Jobs for Nature, aiming to grow the capability and conservation skills in the Bay of Plenty and support adult cadets on their career path in conservation. Launching in January 2021, the fourth successful intake is currently underway, with a total of 41 adult cadets now experiencing the unique programme.
“The real difference in this programme is the significant ‘hands-on nature’, the cadets get to experience on a daily basis,” said Bay Conservation Chief Executive Michelle Elborn. “While there is of course time spent in the classroom understanding rationales and methodologies, an incredible amount of time is spent in many amazing landscapes across the Bay of Plenty.”
The programme provides training around core areas of conservation management. This includes understanding the context of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. It grows knowledge around bird and plant identification, predator control ethics and techniques, water quality monitoring, species monitoring techniques, the use of technologies such as GIS and GPS, Rongoa and cultural values and much more.
Many of the sites that cadets spend time at are member groups of Bay Conservation Alliance (BCA). BCA plays a role in supporting community groups (many volunteer-led), working towards conservation outcomes. The cadet programme provides a fantastic opportunity to support the work of these volunteer projects, whilst also getting valuable real-life insights and experience.
The programme also facilitates a range of certificates that aid the employability of each cadet. These include Outdoor First Aid, bush navigation, high-performance predator control, light utility vehicle driving, wasp control, Growsafe and controlled substance handler.
Applications are now open until the 28th March for the next intake starting on 16th May. Criteria for applications and an online application form are available on the Bay Conservation Alliance website: www.bayconservation.nz then click on Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi
“Funded by Ministry for Environment, we feel privileged to be able to deliver such a valuable programme here in the Bay of Plenty. The reward is immense as we watch people with a passion for supporting the Taiao, grow their confidence and direction in life. If you hold the passion required to give this programme 110%, we’d love to see an application from you,” said Michelle Elborn.