Marae-Based Plant Course Pilot a Success
A successful pilot for a marae-based plant training course was held by the Network in mid February in Northland. The course was developed by the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network and funded by the Biodiversity Condition and Advice Fund. This pilot course was hosted by Ngati Hine.The course – the first of its kind – is the start of a national programme implemented by the Network to grow knowledge amongst iwi about New Zealand’s extraordinary and unique native plant life. This fits with the Network’s implementation of Target 15 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.
The training module - “An introduction to native plants” was developed for the Network by Northland Polytechnic which has considerable experience in delivering training programmes in the region. Over 25 students from all over Northland attended the 2 day pilot course. Five tutors from the Department of Conservation, Northland and Wellington Regional Councils, Wellington Botanical Society and the Polytechnic assisted students.
Students were taught how to describe leaves, flowers, bark and fruit and how to recognise and identify native plants. This was done through hands on teaching and bush walks to meet, face-to-face, the native plants of Northland. Students were introduced to a range of local native plants such as taraire, totara, makamaka and towai. They were also given the opportunity to stand up and talk about these native plants and teach each other about what they had found out about their chosen plants.
A work book on basic botany and plant identification was developed for the student to accompany the course. A follow up course is planned for late March when students will receive their certificates. More modules are planned for development and delivery over the coming months.
Posted: 03/03/2006