The Jobs for Nature funding is coming to an end in 2025, so what does that mean for the 500 + projects and initiatives that have started or expanded thanks to the financial support of this programme?
Jobs for Nature (J4N) is a funding programme of $1.2 billion which was established in 2020 as part of the Government’s COVID-19 response. The aim was to provide employment opportunities for people while at the same time increasing the number of skilled employees in the conservation sector and therefore addressing environmental issues affecting Aotearoa.
Since then, close to 11,000 people have been employed in J4N funded projects and the environment has benefitted no end.
Here at BCA J4N funding has enabled us to deliver a cadet programme, giving paid 12 week training opportunities to 105 people so far, with another 33 expected over our next 3 intakes. The programme covers a wide range of skills necessary for working in conservation in New Zealand, as well as accredited qualifications such as Growsafe (herbicide application), LUV driving, outdoor first aid and Controlled Substance Handler. The programme has been hugely successful and has resulted in a high post-cadetship employment rate in the conservation sector.
We are currently on intake 10 of the cadet programme, and the funding covers up to intake 13 which will end in April 2025. Beyond that the future of this unique and valuable programme is uncertain.
An ex-BCA cadet from intake 6, Mark Fisk, as well as our Secretary and Board Member David Peters who is also Chair of Project Parore feature in this interview with RNZ for The Detail. Along with others who are involved in J4N funded projects their message is clear. This funding has enabled work vital to the health of our environment to be initiated and carried out, as well as providing much needed employment and training opportunities and being hugely beneficial to the financial and mental well-being of those employees.
The Government currently does not have a plan to continue the funding beyond 2025, and if it does come to an end then so will some of the incredible work that has been carried out in the last few years.
As David says, "The minute you stop doing pest control in a forest the re-invasion begins." It is possible we will see the unravelling of much that has been achieved so far, not to mention face unemployment rates rising again at a time when many are struggling as it is. Our hope is that we will be able to source alternative funding to be able to continue to offer our cadet programme, as the positive benefits and results for both the environment and those involved are plain to see.
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Shout of to all the category finalists and winners.
Wonderful to see the lifetime achievement award go to Mary Dillon who has contributed so much passion to our region and continues to do so - thank you 🙏 🌿
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Don't forget Earth Hour tonight at 8.30pm. 🌱🌿🌲🌳
Turn your lights off for one hour to show support for the planet and raise awareness of the issues affecting our environment.
As we are facing serious problems around climate change, Earth Hour is now also about using that 6o minutes to do something positive for the planet. You could get outdoors and plan a night time walk, watch a nature documentary, read a book about nature or the environment, donate to a conservation charity...the possibilities are endless!
Let us know what you are up to for Earth Hour 2024. 🌱🌿🌲🌳
www.earthhour.org/
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We had a great time with Waihi Beach school on Monday at Athenree in the estuary exploring for crabs, anemones and baby eels. It was awesome to be joined by Garston from Otawhiwhi marae who brought his Asian paddle crab nets to set. ... See MoreSee Less
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This is a matter we need to have a voice on. Join tonight’s webinar to find out more. ... See MoreSee Less
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The awesome Dr Peter Maddison is presenting his findings from the Katikati Bioblitz tonight at Cafe Scientifique Katikati. Head along to hear his stories and meet this super knowledgeable entomologist. What he doesn't know about bugs isn't worth knowing! ... See MoreSee Less
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