Horticulture and landscaping
Goodbye fees, study arboriculture and landscape construction for free.
As part of the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) to rebuild New Zealand's economy, you can now study some of our arboriculture and landscape construction programmes for free^.
Click here to find out more.
If you love nature, it doesn't get better than a career in working in the outdoors.
Whether it's landscape construction, nursery production, caring for trees or parks and gardens, the horticulture industry has a range of roles and career paths. You could work here in New Zealand or take your skills overseas.
Get hands-on skills and gain real-world experience as you specialise in arboriculture (tree maintenance), nursery production, parks and gardens (amenities) maintenance or landscape construction.
Whether you are working full-time and looking to upskill while on-the-job, to looking for a full-time study option, our programmes have got your options covered.
“As many people in my family work in the horticulture industry, I was exposed to some aspects of landscaping from an early age. I chose to pursue a career in landscaping because it would allow me to be creative and work with plants outdoors. My MIT qualification has helped me achieve that dream. The study programme was so much fun and every day was different. I loved the field trips and learning all about landscape design. I also really enjoyed building my own landscaped plot and learning how to pour concrete, pave, build, read landscaping plans, and look after plants. The tutors were always helpful and encouraging too.”
Brook Thomson
MIT alumni
"The great resources and support I got from the teaching staff at MIT helped me find my purpose and passion. My course encouraged independent learning through research and coming up with our own ideas while getting helpful guidance from the tutors along the way. I really enjoyed this aspect of my diploma in horticulture.
I was employed before I finished the course and work in a tree nursery, where I grow and sell trees. MIT gave me a great foundation as I already had a strong knowledge base coming into the industry.
I love my work and continue to learn about how to grow and harvest New Zealand’s many species of trees. Since starting my job I’ve developed a passion for producing essential oils and sustainable horticulture, which I hope to continue in the future.”
Zdenda Barvinek
MIT alumni
"Horticulture is a really exciting industry. There are lots of job opportunities and new technology is being introduced all the time.
At MIT I learnt all the important skills I needed to get a great job. Classes weren’t too big and the lecturers really cared about our success. Our learning areas were well equipped and we had access to large glasshouses, aquaponics and LED growing lights.
Studying in South Auckland was so convenient. I could easily commute to and from home and I was able to gain work experience during my non-lecture days.
My work experience turned into a part-time job and once I graduated I was offered a full-time job at Gourmet Waiuku. Worked with a great bunch of people and the variety is awesome. Each day is different and can involve crop recording, forecasting, organising and planning staff, driving tractors or fixing machinery.
I’ve returned to MIT and am now studying towards my Bachelor of Applied Management. If you’re thinking about studying at MIT, I’d say go for it.”
Peter Schreuder
MIT alumni
Programmes
The following programmes are available in this area of study:
Level 3
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) Specialise in arboriculture, landscape construction, nursery production or parks and gardens
Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) with a strand in Nursery Production
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) With strands in arboriculture, landscape construction and parks and gardens
^Free study for this qualification may be available to you under the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF). Visit https://www.tec.govt.nz/funding/funding-and-performance/funding/fund-finder/targeted-training-and-apprenticeship-fund/faqs-for-learners/ for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student and meet any other entry criteria as required. Some costs may also apply. Free study is subject to funding confirmation.