Aotearoa - New Zealand is a special place. We have a huge number of species of plants and animals only found here. If any of these species becomes extinct they are lost forever from New Zealand and the world.
Many introduced plants and animals adapted well to our temperate climate and some have had a detrimental impact on our indigenous ecosystems.
The natural biodiversity has been so altered that many native plants and animals can no longer survive without human intervention. Our resources support learning about biodiversity and the impact of pest species.
What we offer
What a pest!!
A free inquiry learning programme, developed in partnership with the Department of Conservation, for Year 7/8 students [Level 4 of the NZC].
This facilitated programme focuses on pest species – both plant and animal that cause havoc in Canterbury. The learning activities have an inquiry focus with opportunities for students to become experts on one particular pest species and to initiate actions that support the enhancement of native biodiversity.
The programme includes teacher guide, student booklet, CD-Rom of resources, numerous relevant pamphlets and suggestions for further action.
Your Environment, Canterbury (E-box)
Biodiversity and terrestrial pests
How do the relationships between the different lifeforms in an environment change when there are unwanted guests such as possums and mustelids?
Biodiversity and terrestrial pests (pdf 2.22 MB)
Underwater mayhem
What exotic beasties reside in our underwater gardens? New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems are under threat from a range of introduced plants and animals. Head underwater and see which ones are doing the damage and why? Find out how you can be part of preventing their spread.
Underwater mayhem (pdf 3.29 MB)