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Papa Taiao Earthcare
Predator control course, NCEA level 2 or 3
In this two day course, with NCEA credits available, students discover the extraordinary endemic biodiversity of Aotearoa and the significance of protecting these species through predator control. Students finish with an understanding of predator eradication methods, monitoring, and the importance of community engagement.
Courses include an overnight stay and can be arranged throughout the country (you can even combine a course with other schools in your area to meet the minimum number of students required). Cost $545 per student, schools can utilise STAR and Gateway funding. Transport needs to be organised by the school.
Whenua Restoration — restoring the endemic biodiversity on land, NCEA level 2 or 3
Delivered from term one to term three, courses are co-constructed between students, community and Papa Taiao facilitators. Whenua Restoration includes Project Predator, Project Pollination and Project Plant Pest.
Attracting NCEA credits, practical skills are interlinked with sustainable thinking and project development. Timetables vary and can include overnight wānanga and weekly sessions. Currently available in Wellington and Raglan with more long courses planned in the West Coast and Auckland for 2021.
A Wānanga Programme is also offered on the East Coast (Gisborne Region). This programme is delivered using multiple one to two night wānanga, underpinned by Marae based learning, giving students the skills and tools they need to run an environmental project throughout the year. Between wānanga a Papa Taiao facilitator, or a teacher in the school, work with students to keep their projects on track. NCEA credits can be achieved.
Email Papa Taiao to find out more.
EcoQuest Te Rarangahau Taiao
Experience Ecology in Action, NCEA level 2 or 3
Students participating in this predator free course will learn how animal behaviour is considered when monitoring mammalian pest abundance, how to place tracking tunnels, calculate the relative abundance of mammalian pests and current methods and technological advancement in trapping.
This is a one day course, however an overnight stay is encouraged so that students can collect tracking cards they place out. To extend the stay simply add on one or more courses up to a full five days. Pick & choose from ten New Zealand ecology lessons or work with ecology lecturers to customise a program.
The field centre is based in Whakatiwai, an hour drive south east of Auckland. Costs range; one day activities ($45-$67.50 depending on student numbers), three day stays ($450), five day stays ($750). Courses cover NCEA standards, however it is the responsibility of attending schools to apply for credits.
Contact EcoQuest to find out more.
Northland Regional Council
Project Pest Control – NCEA Level 2 or 3 short course
This Enviroschools course develops skills and provides qualifications in controlling possums, mustelids, rodents and feral cats. The course involves theory and in-field training and career opportunities are investigated.
Students learn about the biology and impact of animal pests and are shown how to trap and kill them humanely, how to skin possums and machine and hand pluck their fur.
Students learn best practice during a two-day skills course which is followed by pest control practice and completion of theory work back at school. 4-6 weeks later an assessment day is held. Courses are held in three Northland districts, Kaipara, Whangārei and the Far North. Cost $320 per student, schools can utilise funding, including STAR and Gateway.
Course dates and locations can be found on the Enviroschools Events Calendar.
Email [email protected], the Enviroschools Regional Co-ordinator to find out more.
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
Introduction to Predator Trapping Methods, NCEA Level 3
This short course provides an overview of NZ predators, their impacts and control methods, focusing on rats, stoats and possums. It involves developing an effective predator control plan and practical experience. Offered to high school and adult learners, it is linked to unit standard qualifications. Off campus courses are being offered throughout the country. Cost $166 per student.
For more information and to apply visit the NMIT website.
Whenua Iti Outdoors
Predator Control & Conservation, NCEA Level 3 (four one-week blocks from Mon-Thurs)
This Tasman/Nelson based course is designed to introduce students to predator control programmes and the important role they play in protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity.
The focus is on developing an understanding of environmental management practices and the technical and personal skills required to effectively participate in field-based environmental management programmes. The course is held over four one-week blocks both on and off site and includes overnights. NCEA credits are available and the course is fully funded by the Ministry of Education. For more information email [email protected]
View our schools toolkit for other information to support teaching predator control in schools.
