New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills - Sustainable Horticulture
Level 2

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) - Sustainable Horticulture

  • NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

    This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more

  • Locations and dates

    Marlborough:

    Varying start dates, see below:
    Blenheim Campus (Havelock for practical sessions): 17 February-01 September 2025, Thursdays 9-3

    Nelson:

    Varying start dates, see below:
    Nelson Campus - Feb intake (17 February-27 June 2025) or July intake (14 July-09 December 2025), Tuesday evenings 6-9 pm and every other Sat 9am-1pm.

    Richmond:

    Varying start dates, see below:
    Richmond Campus - Feb intake (17 February-27 June 2025) or July intake (14 July-09 December 2025), Wednesday evenings 6-9 pm and every other Sat 9am-1pm.
  • Study options

    Full-time and part-time

  • Total credits

    40

  • Fees

    Zero fees

    Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

    Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

    View course details for individual fees.

  • National qualification code

    NZ2218

Free programme.

Learn the fundamentals of sustainable horticulture and apply them in your community or career.

Horticulture garden

This practical programme will give you hands-on experience and develop your understanding of sustainable growing practices. You’ll cover various topics, including soil health, plant propagation, composting, and pest and disease management, all with a strong sustainability focus.

Learn how to identify and care for plants, manage weeds, and grow produce or plants using techniques that support long-term environmental health. This qualification is ideal for people wanting to work in horticulture, community gardens, lifestyle blocks, or to progress into further training.

You will learn:

  • Plant and soil science

  • Safe and sustainable horticultural practices

  • Propagation and plant care techniques

  • Working safely and effectively in horticulture

Classes

Location Day and time
Nelson Tuesday evenings, 6 - 9 pm and every other Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm.
Richmond Wednesday evenings, 6 - 9 pm and every other Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm.

 

Restore Aotearoa’s landscapes—grow the future from seed.

If you’re passionate about the environment and want to be part of restoring our native ecosystems, this hands-on programme is for you. Through the art and science of native plant propagation, you’ll learn how to grow trees and shrubs from seed and contribute to meaningful restoration projects across Te Tauihu.

Delivered on Fridays (9 am - 3 pm) at our Richmond Campus, the programme teaches you how to:

  • Identify and collect native seeds responsibly from local ecosystems.
  • Process, test, and sow seed using a variety of propagation techniques
  • Develop seasonal production schedules and planting plans
  • Understand the ecological principles behind riparian and native forest restoration
  • Plan and carry out restoration planting, site preparation, and post-plant care

You’ll visit a range of local projects, pine block conversions, and riparian zones, to observe and participate in real-world restoration efforts. Guest speakers from DOC, regional councils, and catchment groups will provide insight into the region's land management and conservation work.

Whether you're a lifestyle landowner, community volunteer, aspiring trainee ranger, or simply passionate about New Zealand’s native flora, this programme gives you the practical skills to make a difference.

Location

Years

Level

N/A

Qualification

N/A

Courses

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