New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Amenity) (Level 4)
This qualification has an amenity horticulture focus (public parks/gardens etc). The programme covers applied plant and soil science, plant selection and displays, and asset management. Further develop your skills in this field and the management of public spaces and people. Study full-time on campus or part-time alongside employment in the horticulture industry. Graduates will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Amenity) (Level 4).
If you start our part-time programme in 2022, your tuition fees will be paid until 31 December 2022 due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF).
Domestic
Online with block course(s)
Work-based
Flexible
About the programme
Want to improve your amenity horticulture skills?
Ideal for those who want to build on their Level 3 Amenity Horticulture learning or for those who are working in the amenity sector, have existing experience and want to gain a relevant qualification and increase their supervisory skills.
This programme sits within a progressive training pathway that is industry-recognised.
You can study this programme full-time on campus over one year. This option includes a minimum four week work placement and has an intake in February every year.
Or, you can study part-time over two to three years while you work in the horticulture industry. Delivery is in your workplace, along with online learning and practical block courses. Intakes are flexible for this option and you can start any time.
On campus and block course learning will take place in our specialist facilities, allowing you to build the practical knowledge and experience you need to hit the ground running.
Graduates will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Amenity) (Level 4) and will be capable of providing day-to-day supervision and will be able to contribute to more effective and efficient operations. Career opportunities include an amenity gardener, collection curator, grounds person or amenity horticulture.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory Skills in Horticulture |
Learn how to use interpersonal communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in horticulture. Indicative content
|
10 |
| Management of Amenity Areas |
Learn how to manage the maintenance and aesthetic effect of plants, parks and open spaces within the concept of Maramataka. Indicative content
|
20 |
| Amenity Pruning |
Learn how to apply pruning techniques in amenity horticulture. Indicative content
|
10 |
| Applied Plant and Soil Science |
Learn how to apply knowledge of plant and soil science to achieve management plan goals within the concept of Ahi Kaa. Indicative content
|
15 |
| Plant Identification and Naming |
Learn to identify plants and apply plant nomenclature. Indicative content
|
15 |
| Plant Selection and Displays |
Learn to select amenity plants to achieve functional and aesthetic effects Indicative content
|
10 |
| Propagation |
Learn to propagate and grow amenity plants Indicative content
|
10 |
| Amenity Planting |
Learn to carry out planting to achieve management plan goals Indicative content
|
10 |
| Pests, Diseases and Weeds |
Learn to identify and describe plant health problems and control options Indicative content
|
15 |
| Asset Management |
Learn to carry out inspections of assets and monitor maintenance schedules Indicative content
|
15 |
Work placement
Full-time
Full-time learners will complete a minimum of four weeks’ work placement within the amenity sector.
You will be placed with an employer/host in industry, within Dunedin, and our horticulture staff will visit you at your worksite. Our staff will also be available by phone for students or employers to contact them. Employers/industry hosts will provide feedback to you.
Part-time
Part-time learners who are already industry-based may be assessed on-the-job by our horticulture staff and/or in partnership with their employer.
Further study options
If you want to progress your learning, you could study the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) in a different strand/horticulture sector or the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 5) (Amenity).
Workload
Your workload
Full-time
On average you will undertake four days a week of practical instruction and theory teaching. In addition to this, you will carry out your own self-directed study. It is expected that you will participate in a minimum four weeks of work placement during your programme.
Entry
Skills needed to work in this area
- An enjoyment of working outdoors
- Physical fitness
- Planning and organisational skills
- Good communication and the ability to work in a team
- An eye for detail
- Strong work ethic
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme is not available for international students
Selection process
Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis until the programme has reached full capacity.
Fees
Domestic fees
Start in 2022 and get some of your study for free
If you start this part-time programme in 2022, your tuition fees will be paid by the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) until 31 December 2022.
- You'll still need to pay for any additional course-related costs such as textbooks or protective footwear (see more info in Additional Costs section).
As this programme is part-time, students generally aren't eligible for student loans or allowances to cover additional costs or living costs. But, some help may be possible depending on your circumstances. Check the Studylink website for more information.
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
If you're eligible, you may be able to get further tuition fee cover through the Fees Free scheme. See Paying for your study section below.
Paying for your study
TTAF
The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running and your tuition fees will be covered until 31 December 2022.
If you're eligible, you may be able to get further tuition fee cover through the Fees Free scheme.
Fees Free
The Government's Fees Free funding scheme is for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme.
So, you’ll be covered by TTAF until 31 December 2022, and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that for some support beyond that date.
You can check your Fees Free eligibility here >
Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.
Additional costs
You are required to buy some items of personal protective equipment, personal stationery and textbooks.
Please note: Many suppliers offer student discounts once you have enrolled and it is preferred that you wait until the first week of your programme before purchasing these items.
All costs below are approximate only.
- Steel toecap boots ($100 - $200)
- Secateurs ($40 - $120)
- Gloves ($15 - $25)
- Class 5 earmuffs ($40 - $50)
- Safety glasses ($15 - $25)
- Camera ($100 - $200)
- Printing and photo printing ($30)
- Textbooks ($200)
- Stationery ($25)
Financial assistance is available through StudyLink under course-related costs. Please see the Paying for your study section below.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
