Requirements for marking wildlife
Learn what you need to mark wildlife in New Zealand, and how to become a certified operator.

To mark or band wildlife in New Zealand, you:

  • must be certified to carry out the marking technique you plan to use
  • may need to be certified to use some catching techniques (eg mist and cannon netting)
  • may need to have the Wildlife Act Authorisation or other appropriate permission required to interact with the wildlife you are marking.

How to apply for a Wildlife Act authority: Apply for permits

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could lose your certification or be fined under the Wildlife Act.

Certification

There are three levels of certification.

  • Level 1 – trainee – can mark wildlife while working under direct supervision
  • Level 2 – competent – works independently under general supervision
  • Level 3 – trainer – leads projects and trains others

Important:

  • Level 1 applies to all species and capture methods.
  • Levels 2 and 3 apply to specific species or species groups
  • You can hold different levels for different species.

Bird banding categories

For kiwi and bats, you must also be accredited by the kiwi accredited handlers, or bat handler group.

You must:

  • work under a level 3 trainer
  • record your experience in a training log.

Your trainer will teach you:

  • the requirements for marking wildlife
  • safe handling and marking techniques
  • what to do if issues arise
  • how to apply for level two certification.

How to apply

Complete the online level 1 registration form:

Wildlife marking level 1 (trainee) application

If you have wildlife marking experience, submit a training log with your application.

Bander training log (DOCX, 26K)

You can:

  • work independently
  • be supervised at a general level by a level 3 trainer.

You must:

  • keep recording your experience
  • help enter data into the FALCON system
  • support level 3s with training sessions
  • learn further capture, marking and monitoring techniques.

How to apply

Send us the following:

  • A completed certification application form (DOCX, 41K).
  • Signed training log / experience record. You can use our training log (DOCX, 26K)  template.
  • At least two relevant reference forms signed by your trainer. If you're applying for certification for multiple species groups, submit at least one reference form that covers each species group.

Send the relevant reference form to your trainer to complete: 

If you’re applying for certification in species groups that use stainless steel bands greater than or equal to 10 mm internal diameter, submit a description of the proper procedure for closing these bands. You can submit the description in any format.

Email your application to bandingoffice@doc.govt.nz.

At this level, you are an expert in one or more species groups.

You can only supervise and train trainees in species groups you are level 3 certified for.

You will:

  • train and supervise others
  • give feedback on trainees
  • sign off training records
  • order equipment like bands, mist nets, and transponders
  • oversee projects
  • make sure all work follows the law (for example, checking permits and animal ethics approvals are valid)
  • make sure data is entered into the FALCON system.

Before applying for level 3 certification, you need to:

  • have experience using FALCON
  • show you can train someone, while observed by a level 3 operator bander
  • be able to explain your work clearly to the public
  • know your legal responsibilities when running a marking project.

How to apply

Send us the following:

  • A completed certification application form (DOCX, 41K).
  • Signed training log / experience record. You can use our training log (DOCX, 26K)  template.
  • At least two relevant reference forms signed by your trainer. If you're applying for certification for multiple species groups, submit at least one reference form that covers each species group.
  • Evidence of your competency in training and data management. This can be shown in a reference form or in previous submissions of schedules to the Wildlife Marking Office.

Send the relevant reference form to your trainer to complete: 

If you’re applying for certification in species groups that use stainless steel bands greater than or equal to 10 mm internal diameter, submit a description of the proper procedure for closing these bands. You can submit the description in any format.

Email your application to bandingoffice@doc.govt.nz.

After you submit your application

The processing time for applications is about 30 business days.

Applications are assessed by a panel of reviewers from universities, museums, Fish & Game, Crown Research Institutes, Birds NZ and DOC.

Applications are assessed by considering your:

  • length and breadth of experience
  • the species you work with
  • references from level 3 supervisors.

Contact

If you have questions about the certification system and application process, contact:

bandingoffice@doc.govt.nz