Wellington · Online course

Wildlife Conservation & Management in Wellington

Our Wildlife Conservation and Management course will teach you conservation techniques and sustainable wildlife management practises.

Full course details

Wildlife Conservation & Management in Wellington

What you'll learn

The course is the same online course wherever you study from. Its modules:

1. Module 1 – Wildlife Conservation
2. Module 2 – Wildlife Management

See the full Wildlife Conservation & Management course outline

Studying wildlife conservation and management in Wellington

Wellington offers several working examples of predator-free conservation within a short trip. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne has fenced a 225-hectare Karori valley with an 8.6 km predator-proof fence. Its managing trust has a 500-year restoration vision, and its conservation work now extends to freshwater restoration and national translocations. Zealandia notes that Wellington is one of the few cities in the world where native bird populations are increasing. Zealandia says some species in the valley are back on the mainland for the first time in more than 100 years.

In the harbour, Matiu/Somes Island is a predator-free scientific reserve owned by Taranaki Whānui and managed by DOC under a Kaitiaki Board. It shelters tuatara, kākāriki, North Island robin, little blue penguins and wētā. Every visitor goes through a biosecurity check, a practical lesson in keeping an island pest-free. Off the Kāpiti Coast, Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is open only through approved tour operators and holds kōkako, takahē and hihi.

Wildlife Conservation & Management in Wellington: questions

Can I volunteer in conservation in Wellington?

Zealandia says more than 500 people volunteer there, in roles from fence checks to bird feeding. Volunteers must be over 18, pass a police check and usually commit for six months or more. Ōtari-Wilton's Bush also lists volunteer opportunities through its supporting trust.

What happens at the biosecurity check on Matiu/Somes Island?

DOC asks visitors to check bags, clothing and footwear for rodents, insects and plant material during the ferry crossing. On arrival, everyone passes through the Whare Manuhiri biosecurity room to clean and disinfect their shoes. There are no catering facilities or drinking water on the island, so visitors bring their own and take their rubbish home.

What our students say

Easy to understand and great support

I have been conducting a 12 week course, the information provided has been easy to understand and extremely informative. If at any point i have run into difficulties, my tutor has been there to give assistance and advise me the best way to progress forward.

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