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Farming as a Career
Wairarapa Moana Farming Cadetships
Download 2008 'Farming as a Career - Cadetship Training' Registration of Interest form
Following on from its success in 2005 when the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation won the Ahu Whenua cup for Maori Farmer of the Year recognising excellence in Maori farming, opportunities are now available for shareholders or whanau to take up farming cadetships on the Incorporation farms at Mangakino.
Both the Incorporation and the Trust have long been aware of the shortage of experienced workers and managers within the farming industry. In particular there are very few shareholders or whanau who are actively engaged in farming or who have the skills and experience needed to farm to the standards set on the Incorporation properties.
Te Pouakani Farm Cadet Programme
This has led to the introduction of a farm cadetship programme based on providing both practical farming experience and a controlled study curriculum for selected shareholders or whanau on Incorporation farms at Mangakino. The aim of the programme is to produce knowledgeable, experienced and well-trained graduates capable of taking on farm management or other rural industry roles.
Entry Criteria
Any Wairarapa Moana shareholder or person who can whakapapa to an original owner in Wairarapa Moana and meets the following criteria will be eligible for selection.
- Male or female in good health
- Current or recent school leaver or older person up to approximately 25 years of age
- With or without farming or related work experience
- Assessed after a three-week introductory course as being suited to a farm cadetship
- Demonstrates the likelihood of making a long-term commitment to working on the land
The Cadetship Itself
Applicants who are selected by the Wairarapa Moana Trust trustees will be employed as a member of the farm staff as cadets and will come under the direct control of the farm manager.
The cadetship comprises on-farm training in conjunction with study through the Agricultural Industry Training Organisation (Agriculture ITO). Within that training a Modern Apprenticeship may be undertaken. To qualify for a Modern Apprenticeship you must be a farm employee, enrolled in an Agriculture ITO course and aged between 16 and 21 years at the start of the apprenticeship.
A training pathway could commence at college with Agriculture Unit Standards that can be taken in years 10, 11 and 12 programmes.
As cadets proceed through their cadetships they will be eligible to gain national certificates in agriculture leading eventually to a national diploma in agribusiness management with credits toward a university diploma or degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
When would I start? - As farming is a year round operation, cadets may start at any time.
What about accommodation? - Housing with basic furniture is provided for cadets. A local woman is available to prepare an evening meal and help out with some domestic duties and support. Breakfast and a midday meal is the responsibility of cadets.
Will I need transport? – Yes. Just like any employment you will most likely need to travel from your accommodation to the farm to which you are allocated. For this and as you will be required to drive farm vehicles you will either need to have a driver’s licence or be capable of obtaining one soon after starting.
What about study? – You will be encouraged and expected to do some home-based study in your own time. Regular day courses are conducted by an Ag ITO tutor at Taupo. The farm will arrange for you to attend those. Where possible several staff members will travel together to those courses. You will not have to pay any study or course fees during your cadetship.
How will I know how I am progressing? – Your farm manager is required to instruct you on a set of farm tasks and operations on which you will be expected to reach certain standards. An Ag ITO supervisor will visit the farm several times during the year to check on your progress. As you reach certain levels of achievement on the farm and at the Ag ITO courses combined with your study you will be awarded certificates of achievement from level two upwards in your chosen disciplines. The Pouakani farm supervisor will carry out a performance assessment on your progress every three months.
How long does the cadetship run? – Because of the graduated nature of your time as a cadet there is no set length of service to complete the cadetship. However as a rule of thumb, 24 months would see the cadet engaged in two full farming cycles. That would also give the cadet an excellent grounding if he or she chooses to go on to an agricultural degree at university.
What will be the terms of my employment? – As a member of the farm staff you will be given a written contract to sign setting out such items as hours of work, schedule of duties, pay rates, holidays, responsibilities, supervision, disputes resolution and so forth.
How Do I Find Out More?
For further information or inquiries regarding farm cadetships or scholarships, contact us. All contact details are available online.
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