Maori conservation cadetship course already oversubscribed
The Minister of Mäori Affairs says the new Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao conservation cadetship will promote kaupapa Maori in conservation, build relationships between tangata whenua and conservation agencies, and train young people for good jobs.
Dr Pita Sharples was speaking at the launch of a pilot training programme at Waitetoko marae today, on the shores of Lake Taupo.
"This programme is precisely the kind of teamwork we need across agencies, with iwi, whnau and rangatahi to provide enhanced education, skills acquisition, employment and economic prosperity," Dr Sharples said.
"The fact this cadetship is to do with our natural heritage and environment and concerns the kaitiaki role of tangata whenua simply amplifies the significance of this training programme," he added.
A Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao conservation cadetship is a 21 month pilot conservation management course, combining formal block courses with work assignments in the Department of Conservation. Graduate rangers will achieve the Level 3 National Certificate in Conservation. Candidates were nominated by their iwi, with priority going to iwi who already have, or soon will have, responsibility for managing large areas of conservation lands.
The training is being undertaken in partnership with joint providers the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Te Wananaga o Aotearoa coming together to develop a nationally recognised qualification.
The cadetship, a partnership collaboration between Ngä Whenua Rahui, Te Puni Kökiri and the Department of Conservation aims to recognise tikanga Mäori and to promote technical skills in conservation management.
Conservation Minister Tim Groser said the new Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao conservation cadetship course would combine the best of two worlds.
“The course is a mutually beneficial union of tikanga Mäori, which includes the Mäori view of the natural world and how it should be managed, with Department of Conservation management techniques.”
Chair of Ngä Whenua Rahui Tuwharetoa Paramount Chief Tumu te Heuheu said “Ngä Whenua Rahui is pleased to be able to support this initiative and looks forward to these cadets graduating”.
Associate Maori Affairs Minister Hon Georgina te Heuheu also attended the launch, along with whanau celebrating the success of the cadets, who faced stiff competition to earn their place on the course.
For info contact Andrew Robb, Dr Sharples’ Press Secretary 029- 482 8494