CFS423 Plant Identification

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Course code

CFS423T
Locations and dates

Nelson:

2 May 2026

Course opens for study 2 May. Workshop 7–8 May 2026 - Nelson

Off Campus:

28 February 2026

Course opens for study 28 February. Workshop 5–6 March 2026 - Geraldine

18 March 2026

Course opens for study 18 March. Workshop 23–24 March 2026 - Ngawha

21 March 2026

Course opens for study 21 March. Workshop 26–27 March 2026 - Invercargill

27 March 2026

Course opens for study 27 March. Workshop 1–2 April 2026 - Wellington

6 May 2026

Course opens for study 6 May. Workshop 11–12 May 2026 - Auckland

16 May 2026

Course opens for study 16 May. Workshop 21–22 May 2026 - Christchurch
Fees

Tuition: 25.00
Credits

5

Learn a variety of different methods to help you identify native plants.

Learn to use a range of resources to identify native plants. You will learn what parts of the plant to use for identification and the correct terminology.

You will successfully be able to complete field notes for plants, take specimens and use identification techniques.

This course was developed with the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network(external link) and the Department of Conservation(external link).

Please take note of the workshop dates as they differ from the course start date. Also, online enrolments for our courses close on the course start date.

Conservation nationwide tailored courses

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

If you under 20 years old: Achieved NCEA Level 2 – (credits in Numeracy, Science or English desirable).
If you are 20 years or over: No minimum academic requirements.

English language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
If English is not your first language you should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall Academic score of at least 5.5 issued within the last two years (or equivalent).

Other requirements

You will be required to notify facilitation staff of any medical issues that NMIT and DOC need to be aware of. This should be done upon enrolment if the medical issue may impact upon your ability to meet the demands of the training. Other medical issues of lesser impact should be brought to NMIT staff attention at the start of the course. Each course will include a documented group job safety analysis to keep everyone safe. This adheres to the “Health and Safety in at Work Act 2015”.

Special Entry

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 years who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme.

Conservation Training Scheme

Our conservation short courses are part of the Conservation Field Skills Training Scheme.

This Training Scheme is 20 credits. If you complete all the credits you will receive a Training Scheme award.

The Conservation Field Skills Training Scheme includes the compulsory course Risk Assessment worth 5 credits.

The remaining 15 credits can be made up of the short courses that best fit with your work.

Only one can be at level 3.

Course	Level	Credits
Conservation First Aid	3	5
Predator Trapping Methods	3	8
Introduction to NZ Conservation	4	5
Plant Identification	4	5
20x20 Plots and Reconnaissance	4	10
Foliar Browse Index	4	5
Five Minute Bird Count	4	5
Weed Management (Principles and Best Practice)	4	5
Vertebrate Pesticide Control Methods	4	10

You will need to complete all the courses within three years to complete the training scheme and receive the award.

Workshop delivery

The Study dates reflect the preparation time that you may need before the actual face-to-face workshop.

Workshop times	Day 1	9 am	4.30 pm
	Day 2	8.30 am	4.45 pm

Accommodation

Travel and accommodation arrangements are your own responsibility.

Catering

You will need to bring a packed lunch with you for both course days. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Contact us

Should you need to make contact before, during or after the workshop, please contact our friendly team via information and enrolments or contact the facilitator for the course.

What to bring