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.
NZ$9,881
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
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.
About This Course
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
Entry Requirements
NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
Build towards these roles
Entry-level or qualified arborist/tree surgeon positionsWork with city/district councils (parks, gardens)Employment with private arboricultural companiesContract climbingSelf-employment or consultancy in tree care
Build skills in these industries
HorticultureArboriculture
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.
