Course Overview
Like working with plants in the outdoors? This pre-employment horticulture course gets you started in an industry that needs skilled people.
In practical and theory sessions, you'll rapidly expand your plant knowledge! You'll also gain skills in propagation, plant care, pest control, pruning, soil science and landscape design, and learn how to work safely with agri-chemicals.
And you'll get plenty of practice identifying plants and trees on field trips to commercial nurseries and forests.
This course is jam-packed with information to start you off on your career in horticulture. Put your skills to work in market gardens, orchards, horticultural maintenance teams or even in your own productive garden!
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jul 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year part-time This course is delivered in July in Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane. However, dependent on demand, this course can be studied in locations throughout the region and intake start dates tailored to suit. If the locations and intake start dates do not suit and you're interested in studying this course, click the 'Ask a question' button in the top right corner and let us know your preferred location and month you'd like to start your studies. |
| Total credits | 60 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $3,267 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Entry-level employment across the horticulture sector
- Assistant gardener nursery or greenhouse worker
- Groundsperson
- Landscape labourer
- Orchard worker
- Floriculture worker
Topics you'll cover
Topics in this course:
- Optimising Plant Growth
Develop a soil care plan that optimises plant growth and learn to interpret and manage factors that influence plant growth for different primary industry situations including soil testing, nutrient calculations, and weather and climate information
- Introduction to Horticulture Design and Plant Selection
Design a garden or orchard for a specific site and select appropriate plants for the design. Learn about plant physiology, characteristics and uses, and how these influence plant selection for horticulture design projects
- Horticulture Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Identify and control a range of common pests, diseases and disorders for various horticultural crops. Learn how to select a range of suitable control options and carry out pest, disease or weed control including the use of agrichemicals and spray equipment
- Plant Propagation and Nursery Systems
Carry out plant propagation and complete a range of core tasks in a plant nursery. Learn about plant nursery layout, workflows and systems
- Horticulture Project Maintenance
Develop and maintain horticulture projects including the preparation and maintenance of gardens and lawns, and the maintenance and use of gardening tools and equipment.
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $3,267 for domestic students |
|---|
If you qualify for a scholarship your tuition fees and some other expenses for this course could be covered. See Scholarships information below.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at levels 1-3, domestic and international students will be required to:
Provide evidence of ability to complete academic requirements.
Other Considerations
Due to health and safety factors, and resourcing constraints, limitations may be placed on the number of students that can be accepted on the course.
English language requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
Generally, this course is run to coincide with the growing season beginning end of July in late Winter/early Spring and going through to the harvest in late March.
Depending on numbers we deliver this course in Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane and if there's sufficient demand in other Toi Ohomai locations, a delivery could be tailored to suit. Ask a question if you need more information about intakes or location.
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 1 year part-time
- This course is delivered in July in Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane. However, dependent on demand, this course can be studied in locations throughout the region and intake start dates tailored to suit.
If the locations and intake start dates do not suit and you're interested in studying this course, click the 'Ask a question' button in the top right corner and let us know your preferred location and month you'd like to start your studies.
