If you head into Bothamley Park on any given day, you’ll find a group of young locals hard at work, planting the future of the park, one seedling at a time. 

This is the Environmental Cadetship Programme in Te Rā Nui - Eastern Porirua. It’s a partnership between Kāinga Ora, Porirua City Council, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira & Rāranga, and it’s doing two things at once: restoring the environment and creating real opportunities for local people. 

The goal is big, aiming for 90,000 native seedlings in the ground! But the real story sits with the cadets behind the mahi. Out in the field and back at the depot, you’ll find music playing, laughter carrying, and a team that clearly enjoys working together. 

Not your average day job 

There’s no such thing as a boring day here. One morning might start with planting native trees, the next with checking pest traps or testing water quality in the stream. By the afternoon, cadets could be in the nursery, growing plants from seed for future planting. 

It’s hands-on, outdoors and physical, and that’s exactly what draws people in. 

Many journeys, one team 

The path into the cadetship looks different for everyone. Some cadets follow in the footsteps of whānau and iwi, or through word of mouth. Others hear about us through Work and Income, and some are simply looking for a fresh start or change in career. 

Most spend about 12 months in the programme, building practical skills, gaining qualifications and figuring out their next steps. 

Right now, there are eight cadets and one team leader on the team, most between 18 to 24 years of age. Since the programme began in 2023, 20 people, from young adults through to their late 40s, have taken part with 10 cadets moving into full-time roles with Porirua City Council. 

More than just a job 

One thing becomes clear after spending a bit of time with the crew: they genuinely enjoy being there. 

They're a strong team  – people look out for each other, have a laugh, and take pride in what they’re doing together. They’ve also built a strong connection with the wider Parks team. 

“It’s not uncommon to hear music blasting or the cadets singing while they work,” says Tash Graham, programme Manager for the Te Ara Taiao Cadets.

Mahi making a positive impact 

That sense of connection is something the cadets feel too. 
“It’s like working with a friend group,” says Wawa. 

But it’s not just about the good times. Cadets are noticing real changes in themselves. 
“I’ve definitely become more mature,” says Jah. 

Wawa has noticed a shift too. 
“Even just showing up every day, working hard, my work ethic’s way better now.” 

For others, it’s about the environment they’re working in. 
“I like being outdoors,” says Mike, a simple part of the job that makes a big difference day to day. 

From pipes to planting 

Interestingly, the programme started with pipes, not plants. 

In 2024, wastewater infrastructure in Bothamley Park needed upgrading. Once the work was done, the land needed to be restored. That opened the door to something bigger: a programme that could restore the environment while investing in local people at the same time. 

Originally planned as a three-year project, there’s strong interest in keeping it going, and it’s easy to see why. 

Planting for the future 

Ask the cadets what this work means to them, and you’ll get answers that go beyond just a job. 

Many talk about coming back in 20 years’ time, bringing their kids or whānau, and pointing out the trees they planted. Seeing the forest that grew from their effort. Knowing they helped shape a place that others will enjoy long into the future. 

That’s the real impact of this programme, it’s not just restoring land, but growing connection, confidence and opportunity close to home. 

Watch the video to hear from the cadets themselves - their stories, their growth, and what the programme means to them.