Female forestry training programme receives PGF boost

A TRAINING PROGRAMME IN NORTHLAND targeting females that will help address labour shortages in the male-dominated forestry industry has been unveiled.

The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), through the He Poutama Rangatahi (HPR) programme, will invest $421,050 in Wahine Toa, a five-month intensive pilot initiative to prepare mostly young women for training and employment in the forestry sector.

“Investing in skills and training is a clear priority for this Government and I’m pleased to see both HPR and the PGF’s other employment scheme, Te Ara Mahi, already making a difference to people’s lives up and down the country,” says Forestry Minister, Shane Jones.

“As Forestry Minister, I know labour shortages are a significant concern for the sector so initiatives like Wahine Toa are a great investment. The industry is also trying to encourage more women into forestry so this programme ticks both boxes.”

The programme will be predominantly women but has a small cohort of men who will be in a separate crew.

Employment Minister, Willie Jackson, says: “It’s great to see programmes aimed at encouraging more women into the maledominated forestry industry and I wish the participants every success.”

Wahine Toa is modelled on the Eco Toa (Ecological Warrior) initiative, another HPR programme funded through the PGF that was announced in March this year. The initiatives focus on rangatahi aged between 16 and 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Through training, individualised pastoral care and financial support, both programmes help young women get onto a path to sustained employment.