Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation

Level 3

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Are you interested in nature and conservation? Get the skills you’ll need for New Zealand conservation work with Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre and UCOL, through our Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation.

Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: Pūkaha Mt Bruce

Duration: 33 weeks part-time
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
13 Feb 2023 - 20 Oct 2023
(For 2023 intakes, call 0800 468 265 or register your interest at https://www.ucol.ac.nz/contact-us )

Domestic Fees: *
(2022); (2023 fee TBC)Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
Please enquire for details

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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Learning on-site at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, this programme will help build your knowledge and understanding of the natural world through Pūkaha’s conservation work. Get the foundational skills you’ll need to help restore and protect our native taonga, with the option to progress into the New Zealand Certificate in Conservation Operations.

"I loved all the time learning about birds out in the bush. I’ve learnt many skills that will be useful in the future. I can now identify many native birds and introduce animals that I couldn’t before. I had heaps of fun with my group and the team at Pūkaha." - Jordan Haglund, Wairarapa College

Course Hours & Duration

This programme runs for 34 weeks part-time, including 4 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

6 hrs

In-person, online and in-work.

Industry Experience

5hrs

Work integrated learning.

Study Time

4 hrs

Study in your own time.

Career & Study Outcomes

Successful completion of UCOL’s Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation programme will equip you with new skills and a taste for the industry, and you will know what you need to do to pursue a career in conservation. Graduates of this training scheme will be able to:

Contribute to the kaitiakitanga of te ao tūroa to minimise the impact of introduced pests
Explain the significance of te ao tūroa to Māori
Provide customer service in an environmentally focused organisation

If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:
New Zealand Certificate in Conservation Operations (Level 4)

Employment opportunities include:

Pest Management
Wildlife Park Assistant
Conservation Work

Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

UCOL’s Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation programme consists 30 credits.

The program was named by Rangitāne Cultural advisor Mike Kawana “Te Kura Tapere” and references “Te Tapere nui o Whatonga” more info on Te Tapere Nui and its relevance to Rangitāne here.

Edu-tourism/ Manaakitanga in te ao tūroa 15 credits
On completion of this module students will be able to:

Explain the significance, behaviour, impact, and management, of plant and animal species in te ao tūroa
Adapt own behavioural style and apply customer service techniques to manaaki visitors
Assist with preparing and leading an outdoor activity in te ao tūroa

Kaitiakitanga/ Conservation of te ao tūroa 15 credits
On completion of this module students will be able to:

Describe the impacts of pest animals and pest animal operations on te ao tūroa
Locate, prepare, check, and maintain, traps for pest animals
Plan, undertake, and evaluate kaitiakitanga activity in accordance with the tikanga of mana whenua

Domestic Entry Requirements

Applicants for this programme are required to have NCEA Level 1
OR
Equivalent Academic Achievement
OR
On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.0 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

For more information about NCEA Credits see UCOL's NCEA explained page.

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Advice & Guidance

Students need to be aware of the physical requirements when working in the New Zealand bush.

Students will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Programme Leader before the programme begins.

Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation