Applications are now open for those wanting careers in conservation to come and gain first-hand real-life knowledge with a Bay of Plenty based programme.

2023 kicked off with a rocky start for New Zealand, says Bay Conservation Alliance - BCA.

"A series of devastating storms has impacted communities, livelihoods and natural environments in many parts of our beautiful country. There is a big recovery ahead and a realisation that we are entering a new normal with climate change upon us," says Bay Conservation Chief Executive Michelle Elborn.

"In times of trouble we also often see hope and determination to contribute to better future outcomes and change."

The Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi programme has been running for just over two years now and has seen 70 passionate environmentally minded advocates come through the 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.

Applications for the Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi programme are now open until the March 26 for the next intake starting on May 15. Photo: Bay Conservation Alliance.

'What we have learnt is that this programme is creating conservation leaders,” says Michelle. 'We realise there are many people wanting to care for our environment and contribute to conservation outcomes, but they don't feel like they have the knowledge, confidence and skills to contribute.

"Our programme is focused on supporting these areas so each individual can take new knowledge and hope forward and apply it with success.”

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 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."

Applications for the Bay Conservation Cadets – Tauira Mahi programme are now open until the March 26 for the next intake starting on May 15. Photo: Bay Conservation Alliance.

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 March 26 for the next intake starting on May 15. 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 per cent, we'd love to see an application from you,” says Michelle.