New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4)

Develop your green thumbs and get paid for doing what you love. This one-year programme combines our level 3 and level 4 qualifications to fast-track you to a career in horticulture. You'll gain the skills and knowledge that horticulturists need when employed in orchards, vineyards, nurseries or any other major commercial operation.

About the programme

Gain the fundamental skills and knowledge required of horticulturists in orchards, vineyards, nurseries or any other major commercial operation with this hands-on programme.

Employment opportunities are extremely diverse in this industry and, with motivation and hard work, you may find yourself working as an irrigation technician, fruit grower, plant propagator, vineyard supervisor or even at the head of your own business!

This qualification is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and your learning will be based in the campus plant nursery, modern glasshouses, and the ten-hectare Otago Polytechnic crop production facility where wine grapes and cherries are grown. You will also undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry, enabling you to develop real-world skills and forge important relationships. 

You'll graduate with both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production)  and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production).

Courses

This qualification is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and your learning will be based in the campus plant nursery, modern glasshouses, and the ten-hectare Otago Polytechnic crop production facility where wine grapes and cherries are grown. You will also undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry, enabling you to develop real-world skills and forge important relationships.

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production) courses 70 credits

  • Propagation
  • Plant Identification and Selection
  • Nursery Plant Care
  • Plant Science
  • Communication

15
15
15
15
10
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production) courses 90 credits

  • Viticulture Canopy Management
  • Orchard Canopy Management
  • Soils and Water
  • Seasonal Tasks
  • Pests, Weeds and Agrichemicals
  • Machinery Tools and Equipment
  • Communication
15
15
15
10
15
10
10

Further study options

Advance your knowledge with the New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5) (Fruit Production). Horticulture may also be studied at degree-level in New Zealand.

We are part of Te Pūkenga

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.