Viv Morrell at work in the Pukemokimoki marae garden

EIT is reaching out to communities throughout Hawke’s Bay in offering programmes that are helping students learn about growing produce.

This last semester, having purchased land and wanting to become more self-sufficient in growing her own vegetables, Viv Morrell studied the level three New Zealand Certificate in Land-Based Sustainability Practices based at Napier’s Pukemokimoki marae.

Viv is now enrolled in the level three New Zealand Certificate in Sustainable Primary Production at EIT. 

As programme coordinator Jackie Lynch points out, there are a raft of community-based programmes to choose from, with the added plus that these are offered fees free.

Venues range from regional learning centres to community gardens and marae. 

The three level three programmes offered for the second semester starting on 23 July are:

• New Zealand Certificate in Māori Traditional Food Production, Harvest and Management, based at Waimarama marae
• New Zealand Certificate in Fruit Production (Flaxmere)
• New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture General, based at EIT’s Central Hawke’s Regional Learning Centre 

Jackie says that programme start dates can change by a week or two depending on seasonal factors such as harvest.  Would-be students should get in quickly, she urges, with minimum enrolment numbers needed for programmes to go ahead. 

Last semester EIT offered:

• Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills – Fruit Production based at EIT’s Hastings Regional Learning Centre
• Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Land-Based Sustainability Practices (Central Hawke’s Bay Regional Learning Centre and Mahora)
• Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture General (Pukemokimoki marae)