If conservation is calling you, then you have until the November 27 to apply to join the next intake for the Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi programme.

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 seventh intake is due to get underway in mid-January 2023.

'What we have learnt is that this programme is creating conservation leaders” says Bay Conservation chief executive Michelle Elborn.

'With over 60 cadets now having completed the programme we are really inspired to see what they have gone on to do. The success rate of employment in the environment sector is about 75% and cadets are working across a range of organisations and roles like DOC, MPI, Auckland Zoo, Project Parore, hapu led pest control to name a few.”

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 287h of November for the next intake starting on 16th January. Criteria for applications and an online application form is available on the Bay Conservation Alliance website: Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi | Bay Conservation Alliance

'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,” says Michelle.