26 Jun 2014

Rangatahi learning about land

7:45 pm on 26 June 2014

A pilot farming programme for Maori college students will earn them NCEA credits thanks to government funding, the Wairarapa agricultural training school says.

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Papawai Marae and Kuranui College have joined forces to provide a marae-based course for 15 students, most of whom are Maori.

The centre's agriculture in schools manager, Josie Whaanga, said the 15 pupils enrolled on the course would get a chance to learn about farming which was not available to other secondary students.

She said the students would be abel to gain NCEA credits in farming and agriculture.

The Ministry of Education was funding the course through the Trades Academy Programme and without that it would not have been possible, Ms Whaanga said.

Taratahi Maori Agribusiness co-ordinator Ben Matthews said it was important to guide young Maori on a rural career path to set them up for the future.

More land would come back into iwi ownership as they continued to finalise settlements with the Crown, and it was crucial Maori were capable of running and managing their own farms, he said.

Taratahi skills tutor James Doyle demonstrates how to tie a termination knot on a fence, watched by students.

Taratahi skills tutor James Doyle demonstrates how to tie a termination knot on a fence, watched by students. Photo: Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre