New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 5) with strand in Amenity

This 15 month, part-time programme is for students who are currently working as a leading hand or equivalent lower management role in the amenity horticulture sector. Students will gain the hands-on experience and knowledge to be able to staircase into a planning and management role in amenity horticulture.

During their study, students will learn how to plan and manage amenity work programmes and seasonal operations in the workplace.

Study is part-time, enabling students to continue earning while they learn, while also applying what they're learning to their current workplace. Students will learn from home, as well as attend block courses in Hamilton. Students will need access to a computer and internet connection during their study.

The Parks and Garden Management (Level 5) qualification is the highest qualification that can be achieved in the amenity sector in New Zealand, providing students with the opportunity to work in a future management role in town and city parks and gardens, botanical gardens and specialist private garden sectors.

General academic admission

a) New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) Ref: 2674 with strand in Amenity or equivalent (e.g. National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) Ref: 1014, or National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) Advanced Ref: 1015); and

b) Equivalent amenity industry experience of 2 years as leading hand or similar, with industry references, or

c) Sufficient proven amenity industry experience of 3 years, in an amenity park leading hand role, or similar role, with references.

Special admission

Domestic applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the General Admission or entry requirements for a programme but whose skills, education or work experience indicate that they have a reasonable chance of success may be eligible for Special Admission. Special admission will be granted at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee. Such applicants may be required to successfully complete a foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme as a condition of entry into higher level programmes.

Provisional entry

Domestic applicants aged under 20 years who have not met the general academic admission and entry criteria for a programme but who can demonstrate a reasonable chance of success through other educational attainment and/or work or life experience may be eligible for provisional entry at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee. Provisional entry places restrictions on re-enrolment to be lifted if the applicant’s performance is deemed satisfactory by the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee.

Selection criteria

a) Candidates are expected to be working within a horticulture field by the start of the programme. Refer Programme Requirements for more detail.

b) Candidates without relevant qualifications may be required to participate in an interview and selection process. The following may be considered in the selection process: i. The completion of a Study Skills Assessment to demonstrate the level of academic skill necessary to successfully complete the programme. ii. Previous experience working in the amenity or garden maintenance or landscape sector. May include previous employment or voluntary work, of 3 years. iii. Personal qualities such as responsibility, teamwork, communication and practical skills. iv. An aptitude for working in a public environment demonstrated through a reference from an employer where a candidate has worked with the public, or from a teacher attesting to social skills.

Physical ability

To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme, including the ability to perform practical demonstrations and assessments.

Disabled candidates

Candidates with disabilities are eligible to enrol in this programme and will be provided with the necessary resources to attain the learning outcomes where practicable, but at the time of enrolment must notify the Equity/Disability Coordinator of their needs.

English language requirements

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic band score of 5.5, with no individual band score lower than 5.0; or equivalent.

Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.

At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.

Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us.  Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.