What Green Card Aotearoa means for you
As a landowner or project manager
Green Card Aotearoa is designed to give landowners and project managers peace of mind when selecting contractors and suppliers. By looking out for up-to-date Green Card registration you know that the supplier has taken the time and effort to undergo basic training into Phytophthora risk management and hygiene. They will have the understanding and tools to work within best practice and legislative requirements under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and National Pest Management Plan for Phytophthora agathidicida.
As a contractor or supplier with Green Card Aotearoa certification
With Green Card Aotearoa you are able to demonstrate to clients that you have an ongoing commitment to protecting the biosecurity interests of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Through training and support you will be provided with the resources and knowledge necessary to design and implement Phytophthora risk management.
Overview of Green Card Aotearoa Training
A standard Green Card Aotearoa Training session involves a theory session (in a classroom) where trainees learn the knowledge required to successfully complete the course, followed by a practical session where trainees learn how to inspect and clean a vehicle, followed by an assessment. Trainees must pass the assessment to complete the training. Trainers will modify the standard training to incorporate internal and industry-relevant documents and policies, making sure the training is relevant to the trainees. Additional modules may be added to the training program, at the trainee’s request, to enhance the skills or knowledge acquired through the training. The following modules can be added to the training program:
- Phytophthora site visit
- Management in practice site visit
- Clean and inspect machinery
Green Card Aotearoa Trainees who successfully complete the course receive the skills and knowledge to be able to understand the nature of the plant disease Phytophthora, how it is managed and what steps they need to take to ensure the disease isn’t spread through their in-field activities. Trainees complete the course with the skills for completing a clean-down of a vehicle or piece of equipment relevant to their work practices.
Why should I get the training?
The invasive plant disease Phytophthora is receiving increasing recognition for the threat it poses to the natural environment and the industries dependant on it. Highlighted by Phytophthora agathidicida which threatens the survival of the iconic kauri, and the ecosystem that it supports, as well as the numerous other species that are currently within NZ or at its border, action is essential to protect the cultural, ecological and economical future of Aotearoa’s natural and horticultural areas.
Increasing management of the disease means that more and more organisations are looking for a program that trains their staff to recognise and follow protocols and procedures for the on-ground management of the disease and its spread.
Green Card Aotearoa Training (Phytophthora Hygiene) provides trainees with industry standard best practice skills and knowledge needed to manage the risk of spreading Phytophthora on-ground. The expectation is that through government support industry employees will be required to complete training before commencing work in natural areas. The training is engaging, interesting and informative. It can be completed as an organisational or workplace requirement, as a condition for entry to a particular site/ area, for professional development, or just for personal interest.
The level of Green Card Aotearoa Training offered will be suitable for anyone who works (or volunteers) in an environment where there is a risk of spreading Phytophthora. This includes planners, managers, community and on-ground staff working in the following areas:
- Environmental consultancy
- Power & utility management
- Forestry
- Road Construction / Transport & logistics
- Bushland reserve on-ground management
- Pest management
- Landcare and Friends of Groups
- Education & research (University, CRI)
- Mining (extraction and processing)
The skills and knowledge acquired through the training will give trainees an understanding of the nature of the disease, how it spreads, how it is managed, an overview of relevant guiding documents and the skills to follow signage and clean and inspect a vehicle for soil, animal and plant material.
Training program content
Our training materials and content are constantly being improved thanks to your feedback and the input of our trainers and Management Committee. We have a strong relationship with the Local and National Government agencies tasked with Phytophthora management, Plant disease scientists and many other relevant industries that allows us to make sure the content of our training is up to date with the latest developments.
Green Card Aotearoa Training fees
Fee: $280 + GST PER PERSON
Student/community group fee: $170 + GST PER PERSON
Commercial rates apply at the trainer’s discretion.
