New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
On this fees-free programme gain theoretical knowledge of plant and soils science and learn the science behind growing systems and environments. Use your new horticulture knowledge to gain a role working in nursery production, food production or parks and gardens.
You will learn how to:
- apply knowledge of plant and soils science to the identification, selection, and growing of plants.
- apply knowledge of growing systems and environments to the establishment and growing of plants.
Programme Specific Information
Intakes for 2026
Semester 1 - Tuesday evenings, 6pm-9pm with 10 x practical Saturday's thoughout the year
Semester 2 - Wednesday's from 9am-2.30pm throughout the year
This programme is open entry
Graduates will benefit by having a breadth of horticulture knowledge and transferable skills valued by the horticulture community which will facilitate improved performance in the home garden, workplace and career progression, including to higher levels of study.
The horticulture sector will benefit from being able to recruit graduates who have an understanding of the underpinning science and growing practices used in a wide range of horticulture contexts.
Level 4 Scholarships available
We gratefully acknowledge the Bashford-Nicholls Trust for sponsoring ten scholarships for Primary Production (Level 4) students at WITT.
Employment/Cultural/Community Pathway
Graduates of this qualification may be employed or self-employed, and/or move flexibly between a range of horticultural enterprises.
This qualification will also be suitable for small block owners or for mature learners who wish to gain knowledge of horticultural science in a range of general horticulture growing systems and practices.
Further Study Options
This qualification may lead on to
- New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Conservation (Operations) (Level 4)
I loved every aspect of my horticulture studies at WITT. It helped ignite a true passion of mine with a wealth of knowledge and skills that I am not able to apply at my job in the garden centre at Mitre 10. My wonderful class and experienced tutor made an encouraging and fulfilling learning environment, we still keep in touch today, bonding over all things plants. I look forward to continuing my studies this year with the Organic Primary Production course and am excited to see where my horticulture journey takes me.
Siobhan Hemingway
Horticulture
Additional expenses
Closer to the programme starting, learners will receive a list of course materials to purchase. Examples of course materials could include textbooks, stationery, printing; uniforms, personal protective equipment, tools and a laptop.
Changes for new learners
WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology .
Similar Programmes
New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 4)
