What is Green Card Aotearoa Training?
Protecting Kauri through Practical Biosecurity Training
Green Card Aotearoa is a practical biosecurity training programme developed to support people working on or accessing land to reduce the spread of Kauri Dieback disease. Developed through a partnership between Biosense with Dieback Working Group, Green Card Aotearoa training builds capability, consistency and shared responsibility for protecting kauri and forest health across Aotearoa. Green Card training is grounded in current science, internationally recognised best-practice hygiene principles, and real-world field experience, with a strong focus on preventing the movement of soil, the primary pathway for disease spread.
What is Kauri Dieback?
Kauri Dieback is caused by an introduced soil-borne pathogen called Phytophthora that infects trees through their root systems, disrupting their ability to take up water and nutrients and ultimately causing death. In New Zealand, there are at least 30 known species of Phytophthora that cause disease in agricultural, horticultural and indigenous forest settings. Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) is having a huge impact on kauri forest health. The PA pathogen can be spread naturally through wild animals and rainwater run-off however the main cause of spread is from human activities including movement on footwear, equipment and vehicles. There is currently no cure so prevention through hygiene and planning is critical.
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.