Course Overview
This is a FREE course. You can choose to study the Primary Industry Skills course on its own or you can add a strand in the following:
- Apiculture (available in Rotorua)
- Farming (available in Rotorua)
- Horticulture (available in Tauranga)
Are you passionate about the outdoors?
Our FREE 15-week course provides a comprehensive introduction to sustainable horticulture, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed for a fulfilling career.
You'll learn practical skills in revegetation, riparian planting, fruit tree pruning, and plant propagation. You will also learn how to plan and maintain gardens and native tree plantings, and safely operate light utility vehicles and horticultural tools.
The course blends the theoretical foundations of sustainable horticulture with hands-on practical sessions. This course opens doors to diverse career opportunities in conservation operations, amenity horticulture, nursery horticulture, fruit production, or serves as a stepping stone 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 | Mar 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
Career opportunities in the primary sector, such as:
- 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
This course covers a range of primary industry skills from practical production tasks to an in-depth look at a range of primary industry workplaces and may include:
- 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.
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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)
- Horticulture (available in Tauranga)
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 31 Mar 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 31 Mar 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
