New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Amenity) (Level 4)
This qualification has an amenity horticulture focus (public parks/gardens etc). The programme covers applied plant and soil science, plant selection and displays, and asset management. Further develop your skills in this field and the management of public spaces and people. Study full-time on campus or part-time alongside employment in the horticulture industry.
Domestic
Online with block course(s)
Work-based
February
About the programme
Want to improve your amenity horticulture skills?
Ideal for those who want to build on their Level 3 Amenity Horticulture learning or for those who are working in the amenity sector, have existing experience and want to gain a relevant qualification and increase their supervisory skills.
This programme sits within a progressive training pathway that is industry-recognised.
You can study this programme full-time on campus over one year. This option includes a minimum four week work placement and has an intake in February every year.
Or, you can study part-time over two to three years while you work in the horticulture industry. Delivery is in your workplace, along with online learning and practical block courses. Intakes are flexible for this option and you can start any time.
On campus and block course learning will take place in our specialist facilities, allowing you to build the practical knowledge and experience you need to hit the ground running.
Graduates will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Amenity) (Level 4) and will be capable of providing day-to-day supervision and will be able to contribute to more effective and efficient operations. Career opportunities include an amenity gardener, collection curator, grounds person or amenity horticulture.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory Skills in Horticulture |
Learn how to use interpersonal communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in horticulture. Indicative content
|
10 |
| Management of Amenity Areas |
Learn how to manage the maintenance and aesthetic effect of plants, parks and open spaces within the concept of Maramataka. Indicative content
|
20 |
| Amenity Pruning |
Learn how to apply pruning techniques in amenity horticulture. Indicative content
|
10 |
| Applied Plant and Soil Science |
Learn how to apply knowledge of plant and soil science to achieve management plan goals within the concept of Ahi Kaa. Indicative content
|
15 |
| Plant Identification and Naming |
Learn to identify plants and apply plant nomenclature. Indicative content
|
15 |
| Plant Selection and Displays |
Learn to select amenity plants to achieve functional and aesthetic effects Indicative content
|
10 |
| Propagation |
Learn to propagate and grow amenity plants Indicative content
|
10 |
| Amenity Planting |
Learn to carry out planting to achieve management plan goals Indicative content
|
10 |
| Pests, Diseases and Weeds |
Learn to identify and describe plant health problems and control options Indicative content
|
15 |
| Asset Management |
Learn to carry out inspections of assets and monitor maintenance schedules Indicative content
|
15 |
Work placement
Full-time
Full-time learners will complete a minimum of four weeks’ work placement within the amenity sector.
You will be placed with an employer/host in industry, within Dunedin, and our horticulture staff will visit you at your worksite. Our staff will also be available by phone for students or employers to contact them. Employers/industry hosts will provide feedback to you.
Part-time
Part-time learners who are already industry-based may be assessed on-the-job by our horticulture staff and/or in partnership with their employer.
Further study options
If you want to progress your learning, you could study the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) in a different strand/horticulture sector or the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 5) (Amenity).
Workload
Your workload
Full-time
On average you will undertake four days a week of practical instruction and theory teaching. In addition to this, you will carry out your own self-directed study. It is expected that you will participate in a minimum four weeks of work placement during your programme.
Entry
Skills needed to work in this area
- An enjoyment of working outdoors
- Physical fitness
- Planning and organisational skills
- Good communication and the ability to work in a team
- An eye for detail
- Strong work ethic
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme is not available for international students
Selection process
Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis until the programme has reached full capacity.
Fees
Domestic fees
Funding help
As this programme is part-time, students generally aren't eligible for student loans or allowances to cover additional costs or living costs. But, some help may be possible depending on your circumstances. Check the Studylink website for more information.
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
If you're eligible, you may be able to get further tuition fee cover through the Fees Free scheme.
Additional costs
You are required to buy some items of personal protective equipment, personal stationery and textbooks.
Please note: Many suppliers offer student discounts once you have enrolled and it is preferred that you wait until the first week of your programme before purchasing these items.
All costs below are approximate only.
- Steel toecap boots ($100 - $200)
- Secateurs ($40 - $120)
- Gloves ($15 - $25)
- Class 5 earmuffs ($40 - $50)
- Safety glasses ($15 - $25)
- Camera ($100 - $200)
- Printing and photo printing ($30)
- Textbooks ($200)
- Stationery ($25)
Financial assistance is available through StudyLink under course-related costs. Please see the Paying for your study section below.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free* for domestic learners
If this is your first time doing tertiary study, or your first tertiary study was covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship (TTAF) initiative, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access Fees Free by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
* Please note: The Government has advised that they intend to change the Fees Free policy from 2025. The details of the change are yet to be confirmed. We'll update this information as soon as we can with any new details. The Fees Free policy for 2024 is unchanged.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, 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.
