The NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Sustainable Horticulture) provides entry level skills for those in the primary industries with a focus on horticulture production.

During this programme You will learn basic gardening techniques from seed germination to growing and harvesting, how to set up a vegetable garden, and how to plant and manage it.

Organic practices will form an integral part of this programme, and you’ll also learn how to feed your plants and soil, make natural fertilisers and more!

Enjoy getting your hands in the soil and understand the simple ways to grow your own plants and produce.
Our approach will look at sustainable methods focusing on water management, soil care and garden ecosystems. As a graduate you will be able to undertake a range of seasonal horticultural activities.

A range of horticulture activities will be delivered and during the length of your studies you will complete the following approved NZQA qualification:

• NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) 40 credits

In particular, the programme is designed to:

• Provide an introduction to growing and horticulture
• Provide a pathway for ongoing and further study in primary industries

This qualification provides entry level skills for those new to gardening and horticulture or beginning a career in the primary industries. It is an applied practical programme.

This is an open entry programme which means no formal qualifications are required. You must be aged 16 or over and you are required to have a reasonable reading level in order to cope with the programme and to carry out written instruction.

You must also be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes.

English language entry requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

• Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in EIT’s Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP))
• Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 with any endorsement)
• IELTS Academic score of 5, with no band score lower than 5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
• Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores (see equivalency tables in the DELP)

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus
Tairāwhiti Campus

EIT | Te Pūkenga offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT | Te Pūkenga scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT | Te Pūkenga or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT | Te Pūkenga to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.