The Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT), in partnership with Tātau Tātau, is excited to introduce four new cadets to Tātau Tātau’s Haumako Horticulture programme.
Craig Griffin, John Grant, Henry Taylor, and Jessie Taylor have joined the full-time cadetship, where they will gain valuable hands-on experience in horticulture, alongside formal study, fostering their personal and professional development.
These new Kaitono (cadets) come from strong local iwi ties—Craig Griffin represents Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, while John Grant and Jessie Taylor hail from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, and Henry Taylor from Rakaipaaka. The programme offers them the unique opportunity to work in orchards, gaining practical seasonal skills while studying towards a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) and Fruit Production.
The cadetship’s structure integrates essential learning in health and safety, delivered in collaboration with the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust and Vertical Horizonz. Additionally, the cadets will work closely with EIT Horticulture Tutor Andrew Baker, ensuring a balance of practical training and academic study.
Cultural learning plays a significant role in the programme. Under the guidance of Matua Richard Nia Nia, the cadets will explore Te Reo me ōna Tikanga, Waiata, Moteatea, and Mātauranga Māori, fostering both cultural pride and personal growth.
The cadets’ experience will also include visits to local orchards and workshops, such as a pruning academy with Turners & Growers and chemical handling and spraying operations with Growsafe. These real-world training opportunities will equip the cadets with essential skills for a successful career in the horticulture industry.
This three-year cadetship programme, overseen by Tātau Tātau in collaboration with Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), aims to develop and upskill local rangatahi interested in horticulture. WYAT’s partnership with Tātau Tātau has been instrumental in providing meaningful employment pathways for local youth. As the first group of cadets nears graduation and prepares to transition into permanent roles, WYAT and Haumako are proud to welcome these four new members into the Haumako whānau.
