DOC's Deputy Director General Public Affairs, Sia Aston says DOC's Jobs for Nature has employed more than 7,000 people in 225 projects, making a huge difference to nature over the past five years.
Sia says, "Jobs for Nature projects have had a positive impact on the environment, restoring over 6000 ha of wetland, which has improved wildlife habitat, water quality and flood control capability, and have worked toward restoring six priority waterways, such as the Rangitata and Whanganui Rivers, among many other amazing results for our land, water, and species."
"As the Department's work with Jobs for Nature comes to an end this month, the programme has been successful for the thousands who've gained valuable experience and achieved great things for nature."
Launched to turbo-boost nature-based employment through COVID-19, the $1.2 billion multi-agency programme employed people whose livelihoods were impacted through the pandemic, enabling them to stay local and support their families and communities.
This support also benefitted regional economies reliant on tourism. In South Westland for example, the Jobs for Nature programme redeployed tourism workers from 40 businesses, keeping essential skills vital for economic recovery in the community.
Sia says, "We estimate Jobs for Nature projects will return more than $1.97 billion in environmental, social and economic benefits over 30 years.
"Jobs for Nature has stood up a new generation of conservationists who have upskilled and trained in critical ranger skills including pest control, planting, and landscape restoration."
When surveyed, 91 project partners identified as being whānau, hapū or iwi, and a further 63 said they have strong engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi.
"Jobs for Nature supported Māori to work in their communities, contribute directly to improving the health of the whenua."
While government funding ends on 30 June 2025, there is an ongoing legacy, with just over 20 percent of projects (46) intending to develop businesses and continue their mahi.
"We've seen tangible benefits for iwi, communities and nature. It's demonstrated that when we take action for nature, it can bounce back," Sia says.
Background information
Jobs for Nature (JFN) was a $1.2 billion programme set up in response to COVID-19 to create both nature-based employment opportunities and enduring environmental benefits.
It ran from July 2020 to June 2025 and was administered by five government agencies. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) allocated $485.3 million over 225 projects across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Over five years, since 2020, the programme has improved biodiversity, increased environmental protection and supported better access to nature for future generations:
- 8.4 million hours of conservation work was enabled, including more than 2.3 million hectares of pest control (animal and plant) and 5 million plantings.
- Targeted support was provided for threatened species and ecosystems, including the Threatened – Nationally Critical kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
- Restoration of six priority freshwater waterways was accelerated to protect and improve their biodiversity.
- Over 6,000 hectares of wetland was restored, improving wildlife habitat, water quality, flood control and more.
- Over 1,000 cultural heritage and recreational sites were maintained and improved, retaining our connection to nature and identity.
- Local resilience to climate change impacts was increased.
The programme also enabled iwi, hapū and whānau to realise their aspirations for the environment:
- 90 Māori collective entities received funding totalling nearly $135 million, allowing them to have a greater influence in local decision making and delivery.
- When surveyed, 91 project partners identified as being whānau, hapū or iwi, and a further 63 said they have strong engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi.
- 93 projects included work on Māori land, improving the whenua for the future.
*Data as at March, 2025.
