New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain two industry-standard arboriculture qualifications focused on tree maintenance, management, climbing, and removal. Includes practical training, fieldwork, and work experience.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Perform arboriculture tasks at height safely
Graduates will demonstrate safe climbing, pruning, and tree removal techniques including use of approved equipment.
Identify and care for trees and shrubs
Develop skills to identify a diverse range of trees and perform best practice health, planting, pruning, and maintenance.
Operate and manage arboriculture equipment
Safely operate, maintain, and manage tools and machinery such as chainsaws, climbing gear, and chippers.
What You're Signing Up For
This hands-on programme enables graduates to perform a wide range of arboricultural tasks, including tree pruning, felling, planting, equipment use, and team supervision. Emphasis is on practical training in parks and gardens, tree health, and workplace safety. Completers receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4).
Course Content
- Work as effective team members and communicate in the horticulture sector
- Identify and manage health and safety requirements and risks in arboriculture
- Foundation and advanced climbing skills for working at height
- Tree identification, assessment, and pruning
- Ground duties and equipment operation/maintenance
- Tree planting and establishment
- Supervisory and interpersonal communication skills
- Advanced tree climbing techniques including aerial rescue
- Pruning and use of chainsaws at height
- Tree health assessment, pest and disease identification
- Tree felling (from the ground and sectionally, with and without rigging)
- Four weeks of work experience
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Horticulture
Arboriculture
Land-based industries
Amenity horticulture
Public spaces and parks
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level or qualified arborist/tree surgeon positions
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.