About the programme
Te Pū Hono is a paid cadet program where you'll join a tight-knit group of Kaihonoa Taiao/cadets. The programme is an entry-level pathway into conservation designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and connections you need to become a conservation ranger – by working and gaining experience in the field.
Whether it's protecting our unique species or maintaining our internationally renowned visitor network, every day will be different and rewarding.
This is meaningful work. Our economic future relies on nature going strong, but introduced species, habitat loss and climate change are putting immense pressure on our ecosystems. Aotearoa has the highest rate of threatened species in the world and if we lose them, they're gone for good.
Duration: Up to 3 years
Location: You'll be based in Renwick but will work in different locations around the country.
Programme content: The programme is built around practical, on-the-job experience. It includes an extensive induction, competency training, ongoing support from a programme lead and diverse fieldwork opportunities.
Requirements: Cadets must be fit, flexible, resilient, and ready to work in remote and challenging environments.
What's in it for you
Each year, you'll gain new conservation skills whileby working alongside experienced teams in real conservation settings. You'll be placed in different regions of New Zealand to contribute to active projects and learn through doing.
We want to help you grow into a well-rounded conservation ranger. As a Kaihonoa Taiao, you'll:
- have paid employment while you learn a wide range of conservation skills like pest control, handling and monitoring species, operating a variety of machinery and more
- get real-world experience through field-based work placements
- receive support and mentoring from experienced staff
- work in different parts of the country and build strong connections with people, places, and nature
- help protect and restore te taiao/nature
- have the opportunity for continued employment at the end of the programme.
Who can apply
To be eligible to apply, you'll need to:
- have achieved NCEA Level 2 literacy and numeracy
- be in excellent health and have a high level of fitness
- be willing to live and work in different parts of the country
- be able to commit to field work and travel (up to 40 days away from your home base at a time)
- be comfortable working in challenging environments (eg travelling in helicopters, working at heights and in remote areas)
- hold a full and clean New Zealand driver licence
- be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident.
How to apply
There's an application and recruitment round which takes place between September and November each year.
Applications for the 2026 intake closed on the 10 November 2025.
More information
Contact
If you have any questions contact: capabilitydevelopment@doc.govt.nz.