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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.

The UCOL and Pūkaha logos with a forest in the background
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: Wairarapa (Pūkaha Mt Bruce / Wairarapa UCOL Campus)

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

Dates:
09 Feb 2026 – 25 Sept 2026

Domestic Fees: *
$1,882.50

Scholarship info

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

International Fees:*
Not applicable

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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PDF
Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.

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




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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.


Successful completion of the UCOL 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

The UCOL Te Kura Tapere: Certificate in Introductory Conservation programme consists of 30 credits.

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

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

  • Explain the significance, behaviour, impact, and management of plant and animal species in te ao tūroa
  • Adapt your 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 learners 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

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.

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

This programme is not available to international learners.

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

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

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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