Isaiah Heta -Te Puni taking part in a DOC/YMCA/EIT outdoor classroom project that helped form some of the inspiration for Ka Hao te Rangatahi
Young people in the Ruatoria district are being given a fantastic opportunity this year, thanks to a team effort by EIT, DOC, a variety of community organisations and support from Minister Willie Jackson.
They will have the chance to try their hand at learning a variety of basic land management skills, including plant propagation and nursery work, erosion mitigation, pest control, restoration work around waterways and learning to safely operate land-based vehicles and machinery such as quad bikes and chainsaws.
“They will all be entry-level skills that will create the widest range of opportunities for them to work and contribute to their own communities,” says programme coordinator Steve Phelps.
“They will be in outdoor classrooms undertaking real projects on blocks within the Waiapu district.”
The programme, called Ka Hao te Rangatahi, is a pilot delivered by EIT in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC), and a wide range of other organisations working together to provide a unique and holistic programme based on the needs and opportunities of the Waiapu catchment.
It is backed by Employment Minister Willie Jackson who wants to deliver a hand-up for rangatahi (young people) who are not working and may be feeling hopeless.
He said some of them had no confidence, no drivers licences or bank accounts and no ambitions. He wants a programme that will help them with all these things so they can start making something of their lives.
Among those backing EIT and DOC are the Ministry of Primary Industries, the Ministry of Social Development, Gisborne District Council, Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou and Nga Whenua Rahui to ensure the programme has access to all the resources, expertise and inspiration it needs. Trusts and other Māori landowners in the area are also helping, by providing access to their land and sharing their wisdom.
“We will be introducing the rangatahi to key environmental issues and opportunities in the Waiapu catchment and introducing them to essential land management skills and industries,” said DOC community engagement supervisor Charles Barrie.
“This programme is aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation of East Coast land managers, equipping them to engage with both the complex challenges of the Waiapu catchment and the exciting opportunities on the horizon” he said.
“We want to show rangatahi ways to make a living on the land in a way that minimises the impact on the land,water and biodiversity.”
At the same time they would get a wide range of support to help boost them on their way.
The first programme starts in February, with a second to follow in July. They will both be limited to 10 people.
Rangatahi between the age of 16-24 interested in taking part should apply at EIT Ruatoria campus now, as spaces are limited.