CFS432 Vertebrate Pesticide Control Methods

Course code

CFS432
Locations and dates

Richmond:

21 May 2026

Course opens for study 21 May. Workshop 26–29 May 2026 - Richmond
Fees

Tuition: 406.00
Credits

10

Learn how to safely and effectively use vertebrate pesticides while contributing to New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goal.

This micro-credential introduces ākonga to the significance of pest control in New Zealand and provides practical experience with selected field techniques. You’ll explore key predator pests, including rats, stoats, and possums, why they are considered pests, their ecological impacts, and the appropriate control strategies.

You will cover:

Key predator pests in New Zealand and their ecological impacts
Why these species are considered pests and the importance of control
Vertebrate pesticide control methods and safe handling of hazardous substances
Designing effective predator control plans tailored to local conditions
Monitoring and mapping pest control operations in the field
Legal requirements and hazard classifications for vertebrate pesticide use

Delivered through preparatory learner-managed activities, face-to-face workshops, and follow-up practical work, this micro-credential can be offered multiple times throughout the year and supports in-work upskilling for employed ākonga.

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

Outcomes

On successful completion of this micro-credential, ākonga will be able to:

Evaluate a range of control methods with a focus on vertebrate pesticides
Demonstrate task specifications for selected methods in a field situation for selected pesticides
Undertake vertebrate pesticide control, including mapping control operations in a field situation
Explain the legal requirements for vertebrate pesticide use under relevant legislation, including hazard classifications, properties, and adverse effects of selected vertebrate pesticides

Employment pathways

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, ākonga will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to New Zealand's Predator Free 2050 goal. This national initiative brings together central and local government, iwi, philanthropists, non-government organisations, businesses, science and research institutions, communities, landowners, and individuals to raise awareness and build capability in predator control.

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