Course Overview
This is a FREE course. You can choose to study one of the below strands:
- Farming (available in Rotorua)
- Sustainable Horticulture (available in Tauranga)
(To see more details on either strand, check out the links above).
The primary industries sector is booming in New Zealand, and now’s the time to take advantage of the career paths that are on offer.
This 15-week taster course will help you learn the basics and set you up for an exciting career outdoors. You'll get a real taste of what it’s like to work in the horticulture and farming industries as well as discover the vast career opportunities that are on offer.
There's a balance of theory and practical sessions that give you the entry level skills you need for your first job or it can lead on to further study.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jul 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 40 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | No tuition fees 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
Farming Strand
- Relief Milker
- Junior Farm Assistant
- Junior Shepherd
Sustainable Horticulture Strand
- Revegetation Planting Team
- Riparian Planting Team
- Assistant Gardener
- Nursery Worker
- Orchard Worker
- Post Harvest Pack House Role
- Vineyard Hand
- Forestry Planting Team
Topics you'll cover
Farming Strand
- Safe work practices for the primary industry
- Basic fencing repairs and maintenance
- Mixing and applying agrichemicals, and using spray equipment
- Handling livestock
- Riparian and revegetation planting
- Tools and small engine maintenance
- Understanding weather information
Sustainable Horticulture Strand
- Plant propagation and maintenance
- Riparian and revegetation planning and planting
- Plant and pest weed identification
- Crop growing
- Fruit crop training and pruning practices
- Safe work practices for the primary industry
- Mixing and applying agrichemicals, and using spray equipment
- LUV operation
- Tools and small engine operation and maintenance
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | No tuition fees for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* 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 allowance and 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.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the 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
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.
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 in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQA Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
Please note you can choose to study the Primary Industry Skills course on its own or you can add a strand as per below.
- Farming (available in Rotorua)
- Sustainable Horticulture (available in Tauranga)
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
