Study parks and gardens (amenity)
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 17 teaching weeks, 3 days per week.
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Start dates
July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) with a strand in AmenityProgramme code: NZ2678-03 -
Credits
70 -
Locations
MIT ?tara
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Entry requirements
Open entry
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Domestic fees
$4,100 (approx.)
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International fees
Not available to international students
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Gain the hands-on skills you need to get a job as a gardener or groundskeeper.
This qualification is for you if you want to launch a career in the parks and gardens industry.
It’s also suitable for anyone already working in the industry who wants to obtain a formal qualification.
You'll gain the hands-on experience in planting and landscaping and learn how to keep on top of the different gardening seasons.
Upon successful completion of this programme you could complete the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with a strand in Amenity in only 17 weeks.
Please note: Aspects of this programme are physically demanding, please talk with an Ask Me! agent if you face fitness or mobility challenges
“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 graduate
"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 graduate
"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. I 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 graduate
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
English language entry requirements
You will need English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English (an assessment may be required if your first language is not English).
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below four courses (70 credits):
861.369 Plants and Planting (20 credits)
Demonstrate communication skills, selecting and planting plants for use in the landscape industry
861.371 Maintenance and Care (15 credits)
Interaction with team members and colleagues, carry out routine maintenance tasks for the landscape industry
862.408 Parks and Gardens Development (20 credits)
Carry out the development of parks and garden spaces, work safely with tools and machinery in parks and gardens.
862.409 Parks and Gardens Quality Control (15 credits)
Ensure quality assurance of parks and gardens through the growing seasons, keep amenity records through the growing seasons.
Further training or study
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with a strand in Parks and Gardens
Career opportunities
Assistant Amenity Gardener, Gardener, Grounds Person. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
Ready to put your plans in place?
Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. Free study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 24 year olds (Youth Guarantee). Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 20 February 2023. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2023 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2023 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2023 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2023 are based on the 2022 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2023. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pukenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.