Skip Content
Forestry

Given the strong demand for workers in the Tairāwhiti forestry sector, a new course from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa offers graduates extremely healthy job prospects, says course kaiako (teacher) Sonny Hitaua.

“Graduates will definitely get to embark on a solid new career, offering good income and ongoing employment,” says Sonny, who will run the course out of the Whirikoka campus in Gisborne.

The Certificate in Forest Industry Training programme starts on 1 March and runs for 22 weeks.

At this stage, the course is expected to have up to 20 places. There are no course fees.

Besides learning at Whirikoka, the course will involve extensive practical experience with forestry operations.

Sonny says the course is broken into 10 units covering a range of general forestry industry requirements, as well as skills such as pruning, measuring the number of trees in an area, health and safety, radio communications and fire fighting.

“It’s a comprehensive course which will equip students well to work in the industry.”

He says demand for forestry labour is shown in the number of recent newspaper ads for workers and one contractor indicating he is wanting to employ a significant number of course graduates.

Sonny, of Te Aitanga a Māhaki, has personally had more than 20 years experience in the sector, following on from his father and grandfather who also worked as foresters, and he has a diploma in forestry.

“For me it’s family oriented. It’s an industry which has put food on the table and connects us as a family.

“Key things for success in forestry are enjoying being physically active outdoors and a willingness to get stuck in.”

Anyone interested in applying for the course can visit www.twoa.ac.nz/enrol or call 0800 355 553. Sonny’s kaiawhina Benji Gibson is also available on 022 477 1277 to answer questions.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 22 February, 2021

Article By: Stephen Ward



Other Articles

  • 31 July 2025

    Whānau fuelled success at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Nadia MacDonald’s journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Diploma in Small Business and Project Management highlights the power of whānau support, Māori values, and practical learning. Discover how she balanced work, study, and parenting to achieve success and uplift her community.

  • 24 July 2025

    Tamariki once were cherished

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Te Manawahoukura Rangahau Centre releases Taku Waipiataata, Taku Hei Tāwhiri, a powerful report calling for a revival of gentle, respectful Māori parenting. Discover how tūpuna child-rearing practices can transform whānau wellbeing and uplift future generations.

  • 24 July 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa chief executive Evie O’Brien announced as Te Kura Toroa

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates its 40th anniversary by bestowing chief executive Evie O’Brien with the enduring title of Te Kura Toroa. Discover the cultural significance of this new role and its reflection of leadership, kaitiakitanga, and Māori values.

  • 23 July 2025

    Māori musician's reo Māori journey leads to wānanga kaiako role

    Jordyn Rapana, known as Jordyn With A Why, shares her inspiring journey of learning te reo Māori to raise her tamariki in a reo-speaking home. From immersion study to becoming a kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, discover how music, whānau, and culture shaped her path.