What is the purpose of Cadetships?

The purpose of the Cadetship programme is to support Māori to achieve their potential in the workplace, and contribute to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses.

Who can submit a proposal for this fund?

Te Puni Kōkiri welcomes proposals from organisations which:

• employ Māori staff (cadets) in permanent roles for at least 6 months, with a structured and tailored training component, preferably linked to an NZQA-recognised qualification, and with evidence of pastoral care and mentoring.  Cadets are generally full-time but can be part-time staff. Organisations providing part-time employment opportunities with an appropriate training and development programme, are encouraged to contact Te Puni Kōkiri to discuss options (which could include for instance, a lower per-cadet funding rate).
• provide evidence that the proposed Cadetships programme will improve cadets’ skills and employability and increase their opportunities for progression. Ideally, Cadetships programmes should encompass elements of tikanga to support cadets to increase their confidence and mana.

Demonstrate at least two of the following:

• operate in national sectors with clear evidence of growth prospects
• operate in a regionally-important sector
• operate in a niche/specialised growth market with opportunities for scalability
• provide evidence of technological advancement, including adapting and enhancing existing technologies, and use of research and development to improve workplace efficiency & productivity
• provide evidence of constructive engagement with iwi, whānau and Māori communities
• provide opportunities for progression for Māori staff through existing established company HR policies and procedures
• have sufficient resources and capability to provide structured mentoring, training, potential to access promotion opportunities, diverse workplace experiences, and other tailored support for cadets

How does it work?

It works by providing funding of up to $10,000 per cadet for employers to design, develop and implement tailored training and development programmes for Māori staff (who can be newly employed, or existing staff members), that will improve their skills, employability and earnings, and provide opportunities for them to move into leadership roles.

• Available to support new or existing employees, of all ages.
• Cadets should be job-ready, or able to become job-ready very quickly with support (including mentoring and pastoral care) from the employer.
• Employers must provide tailored and structured training and development for their cadets, including mentoring – employers determine and arrange the actual training and development arrangements for their cadets, and may work with other organisations to do this.

What is not funded?

Areas that are generally not funded or covered under Cadetships:

• A cadet who has previously been supported by Cadetships funding
• New Zealand apprenticeships
• Government and local Government entities
• Establishment of role/s to manage or administer an employer’s Cadetship programmes
• Pre-employment and/or trade training courses
• Training or courses leading to a degree or other professional qualifications unless it is in the context of an organisation’s leadership development programmes
• Domestic Travel (e.g. accommodation, mileage), purchase of clothing/footwear or digital equipment (e.g. laptops, digital cameras); unless prior approval is received from Te Puni Kōkiri. 

What is the difference between National and a Regional Application?

• National – generally when cadets are located in different parts of the country rather than in just one region
• Regional – when the cadets are based in just one region

How do I apply?

Contact your nearest Te Puni Kōkiri Regional Office to discuss an application for Cadetships

How much funding is available and how will this be distributed?

$11.5 million in total is available for 2020/21, an increase of $6.75 million compared to 2019/20.

What other information do I need to submit with my Application?

To ensure that your application can be considered, ensure that you include the following information with your application:

• Legal Status (Certification of Incorporation, or Certification of Incorporated societies or Charitable Trust etc)
• Current Financial statements/audited accounts
• Evidence of your organisation’s Child Protection Policy (if employees may be in contact with rangatahi as part of their role)

What happens next?

We encourage potential applicants to discuss their proposed Cadetships programme with Te Puni Kōkiri staff before formally applying for funding. Te Puni Kōkiri may contact applicants in the meantime to clarify issues related to the application.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about Cadetships please contact your nearest regional office.