Last month, our team had the brilliant opportunity to swap chainsaws for conversation when we hosted a group of rangatahi from Te Puna Oranga O Ōtaki. The request landed in my inbox – would we be keen to inspire some local youth about career pathways in arboriculture? Absolutely!
How It All Started
When Morehu from Te Puna Oranga reached out about their 12-week programme for rangatahi, I was immediately on board. Their mission resonated with us – bridging the gap between young people and the working world by showcasing real careers in action. After all, not everyone discovers their passion for trees through climbing them as a kid like I did!
The email explained they were looking for local businesses to provide:
- Insights into real-world workplaces
- Inspiration for career planning
- A chance to engage with professionals
As a local Kapiti Coast business with deep community roots, this was exactly the sort of initiative we love to support. We genuinely care about our community as much as we care about the trees and plants we tend.
The Day Itself
We set up a proper tour of our yard, with all the gear on display – climbing kit, chainsaws (safely secured!), wood chippers, and the trucks that make us mobile. The team each took turns explaining their journey into arboriculture and what keeps them passionate about the work.
I shared my own winding path – from farm kid to finding my place in the tree care industry. We demonstrated the ropes (literally – we did a bit of knot-tying!) and explained how arboriculture combines physical work, environmental knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
The rangatahi brought great energy and curiosity to the session. It was brilliant to see their eyes light up with the big chipper chipping a large tree branch. Several of them asked thoughtful questions about the career path and what qualifications they might need.
What We Learned
The experience wasn’t just valuable for the rangatahi – it gave my team a chance to step back and appreciate their own journeys. Sometimes when you’re immersed in your daily work, you forget how specialised your skills really are.
It was also good practice for my crew to talk about what they do with people who are new to arboriculture. Being able to explain complex tree care concepts in simple terms is a skill that helps us with customers every day.
Why These Connections Matter
At Elite Arboriculture, we believe our role extends beyond just caring for trees. We’re part of the Kapiti community fabric, and that means investing in its future – including its young people.
The rangatahi who visited came away with a better understanding of what’s possible when you find work that connects you to both nature and community. And who knows? Perhaps in a few years, one of these bright young individuals will join our crew, ready to learn the ropes from the ground up.
We’re grateful to Te Puna Oranga O Ōtaki for the opportunity to share our passion, and we look forward to more chances to give back to the community that supports us. After all, just like the trees we care for, we’re stronger when our roots are firmly planted in local soil.
Contact Elite Arboriculture
Thinking about a career in Arboriculture? Call Jade at Elite Arboriculture on 027 343 8846 or email [email protected]
Trust the local experts who truly understand and care for Kapiti’s trees and our community. Elite Arboriculture: Professional, Experienced, and Here to Serve.