New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4)
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
This one-year programme enables students to obtain both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production). It offers a hands-on learning approach, covering commercial plant propagation, nursery work, orchards, and vineyard production.
NZ$9,230
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Apply horticultural skills in major commercial operations
Graduates will be able to perform fundamental tasks required by horticulturists in nurseries, orchards, and vineyards.
Demonstrate plant propagation and care techniques
Gain hands-on ability to propagate, select, and care for nursery plants using industry techniques.
About This Course
Develop your green thumb and get paid to do what you love. This programme combines level 3 and level 4 horticulture qualifications to fast-track you into the horticulture industry. The 50-50 mix of theory and practical studies is delivered through real-world projects in plant nurseries, modern glasshouses, and a commercial crop production facility, with direct work experience in Central Otago's horticulture sector. Graduates gain skills valued across orchards, vineyards, and nurseries, preparing for roles such as irrigation technician, fruit grower, plant propagator, or vineyard supervisor. The qualification includes substantial work-based learning and exposure to grape and cherry production.
Course Content
- Plant propagation
- Plant identification and selection
- Nursery plant care
- Plant science
- Communication skills for horticulture
- Viticulture canopy management
- Orchard canopy management
- Soils and water
- Seasonal horticultural tasks
- Pest, weed and agrichemical management
- Machinery, tools and equipment use
- Work experience in commercial horticulture
Entry Requirements
Open entry. International students will be individually assessed for preparedness.
Build towards these roles
Irrigation technicianFruit growerPlant propagatorVineyard supervisorOrchard technicianNursery workerHorticulture business owner
Build skills in these industries
Horticulture
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.
