Minister of Conservation congratulates Far North DOC cadets

Date:  30 November 2010

Minster of Conservation Kate Wilkinson and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs Georgina Te Heuheu welcomed the first graduation of 14 Maori cadets from an intensive conservation training programme.

Henare with the Minister of Conservation
and Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount
Chief of Tuwharetoa

The Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao / Maori cadet programme was launched in early 2009 and was funded by the Department of Conservation, Te Puni Kokiri and Nga Whenua Rahui. The aim of the programme was to ensure that Maori have the capacity to manage their own conservation lands – both existing and those transferred through Treaty settlements in the future.

Far North graduates Kylie McDowell and Henare Winterburn-Chapman were among the successful cadets to complete the programme. Over the past 21 months, they have worked within the Kaitaia DOC area office as rangers, while completing practical training at block courses held throughout the North Island.

“It has been a life changing experience being on this programme. Blending both conservation theory and practice with a Maori view of the natural world has seen us (cadets) experience the best of both worlds when carrying out conservation management in our local area”, says Ms. McDowell.

Henare and Kylie in the middle

The practical training the cadets completed included chainsaw use, fire fighting, fencing, first aid, day skippers, ecology, and quad bike training, all of which were NZQA accredited.

“Our lands, forests and waterways, our natural heritage, are part of the very identity of iwi and hapu. Conservation is a high priority for our people. And the Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao cadetship helps hapu and iwi take control of their future development,” says Dr. Pita Sharples, who supported the programme launch in February 2009.

All the cadets

All of the cadets graduated with a Level 3 National Certificate in Conservation and Trainee Ranger Certificate from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology as well as a Level 3 Certificate in Tikanga Maori from Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

“The programme has been highly successful and these young cadets now have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in both Tikanga Maori and conservation work”, said the Hon. Kate Wilkinson, Minster of Conservation.

A formal graduation ceremony was held at Waitetoko Marae north of Turangi on 13th November, and was hosted by Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount Chief of Tuwharetoa and the Chair of Nga Whenua Rahui Komiti.

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