Study parks and gardens (amenity)
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Duration and study methods
July: Full-time for 34 teaching weeks or full-time for 17 teaching weeks#
Full-time learner: 3-days per week.
In-work Learner: 2 evenings per week, 2 week-long block courses, workplace assessment.
#If you have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3)
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Start dates
July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with a strand in AmenityProgramme code: NZ2674-03 -
Credits
130 -
Locations
MIT ?tara
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Entry requirements
Open entry
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Domestic fees
$6,600 (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
If you love nature, launch your career in the amenities (also known as the parks and gardens) industry.
You'll get the hands-on experience, in planting, pruning and lawn care, that you need to get a job within the parks and gardens industry.
You'll also get plenty of real-life experience working in the community at off-site parks and gardens.
With two options to study we have you covered:
In-work learner
This programme is designed for people who are employed within the landscape construction industry.
No matter how much experience you have, we can support you to reach new heights.
To gain this qualification you'll need to be employed with a qualified landscaper who is willing to support you with regular work to meet the graduate outcomes of this qualification.
Study will take place two evenings per week in class, while employers and tutors will verify your practical skills when you are at work. There will be four week long block courses that you'll be required to attend.
You'll be visited on-site at your place of work throughout the programme.
When you graduate, you'll be ready to take on a job as an amenity gardener, collection curator, grounds persons or amenity contractor.
Full-time learner
Attending MIT ?tara you will learn the skills and knowledge through onsite practical and theory and work experience placement.
This programme includes 105 hours based in a relevant parks and gardens industry operation.
When you graduate, you will be ready to take on a job as an amenity gardener, collection curator, grounds persons or amenity contractor.
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).
July intake
This intake requires you to have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) with a strand in Parks and Gardens.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below four courses (130 credits):
Level 3
861.368 Plants and Maintenance (35 credits)
Demonstrate communication skills, interact with team members and colleagues, select and plant plants, carry out routine maintenance tasks for the landscape industry.
Level 4
862.401 Work Placement (30 credits)
Demonstrating communication skills and professional conduct, instructing and supervising team members, carrying out specific parks and gardens tasks.
862.412 Parks and Gardens Development and Quality (35 credits)
Carry out the development of parks and garden spaces, work safely tools and machinery in parks and gardens, ensure quality assurance of parks and gardens through the growing seasons, keep amenity records throughout the growing seasons.
862.413 Seasonal Management of Parks and Gardens (30 credits)
Plan and manage seasonal management plans in parks and gardens situation, carry out regeneration plantings, plan and manage the seasonal management of plants in parks and gardens.
Further training or study
New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5) which leads to a strand in Landscape Construction
Career opportunities
Amenity Gardener, Collection Curator, Grounds Persons, Amenity Contractor. 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. 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.