Jobs for Nature – Mahi mō te Taiao

Jobs for Nature (JFN) is a $1.185 billion programme in response to COVID-19 to create both nature-based employment and enduring environmental benefits between 2020 and 2025. Five government agencies administer the funding, of which DOC manages $485.3 million over 225 projects across New Zealand. 

Those agencies are Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries, Land Information New Zealand and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

DOC is funding project partners to create nature-based jobs across the country on private land, Māori land, and public conservation land and waters.

Project work includes predator and weed control, restoring wetlands, regenerative planting, and improving tracks, huts and other recreational, cultural or heritage assets and sites.

As the Jobs for Nature programme comes to an end, projects are transitioning to a future beyond the life of the current funding. For some, this means they will complete their work and close, while others will focus on sustaining the gains achieved or seek to continue with community support or other investment.

Head to our programme insights page to read about some of the incredible work achieved by the people employed.