Isyourlocalcouncil,yourregionalcouncil,yourlocalplantnurseryandyour universityaNetworkmember?

The Network wants to encourage people to join up with the Network. The Network has just published a new membership brochure. Please contact the Network if you would like copies of this to give to friends and family. Please also encourage your local council, your regional council, your local plant nursery and your university to become a corporate Network member if they are not already. For more information about membership and sponsorship options see the website at www.nzpcn.org.nz Pilotofmarae-basedplanttrainingcourseasuccess ByJohnSawyer The Network delivered its first marae-based plant training course in Northland in February and March this year. Hosted by Ngati Hine, the two day course piloted a national programme being implemented by the Network to enhance knowledge among iwi of New Zealand's extraordinary and unique native plant life. This fits with the Network's implementation of Target 15 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Developed by the Network with funding from the Biodiversity Condition and Advice Fund, the course is the first of its kind. The training module, "An introduction to native plants", was developed for the Network by Northland Polytechnic which has considerable experience in delivering training programmes in the region. This was largely done by Iain Reid and John Finlayson. This work was done in conjunction with the Network with final editing and publication being organised by Jeremy Rolfe. Over 25 students from all over Northland attended the course, held at a bush camp on the property of Kevin Prime near Motatau. The course was led by tutors from Northland Polytechnic including Iain Reid, Jamie Hancox