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Gardener

Kaitiaki Māra

Gardeners plant and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers in public or private gardens and parks.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a gardener. However, agricultural and horticultural science, biology and maths are useful.

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for gardeners includes:

  • horticultural or conservation work
  • gardening experience
  • heavy vehicle and tractor-driving experience.

What you will do

Gardeners may do some or all of the following:

  • maintain gardens and outdoor areas by planting, pruning, fertilising, weeding
  • grow plants from seeds and cuttings
  • select and buy plants
  • control plant pests and diseases
  • discuss gardening requirements with clients
  • do landscaping and basic construction work
  • maintain gardening tools.

Skills and knowledge

Gardeners need to have:

  • knowledge of planting, pruning, spraying, fertilising
  • the ability to identify plants and pests
  • knowledge of plant pest and weed control
  • practical skills such as the ability to operate power tools.
Pay

Gardeners usually earn

$47-$60

per hour

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a gardener are average due to high competition for jobs.

Industry

Agriculture and Horticulture

Gardeners plant and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers in public or private gardens and parks.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a gardener. However, experience or a National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) may be useful.

Gardeners may study towards a National Certificate in Horticulture (Levels 1-3), National Certificate in Horticulture – Amenity Horticulture (Level 4) or a National Certificate in Horticulture – Landscaping (Level 4).

Chances of getting a job

Chances of finding work as a gardener are average as it is a popular job that requires no entry-level training, so there is high competition for available jobs.

According to the Census, 6,054 gardeners worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Gardeners may work for:

  • themselves – either on their own or as part of a small franchise
  • private landowners
  • regional and local councils
  • businesses that work on contract for local councils.

Find out more about training

Primary Industry Training Organisation
0800 208 020 - info@primaryito.ac.nz - www.primaryito.ac.nz

Progression and specialisations

Gardeners may progress to setting up their own business, or move into team leader or management roles.

Working conditions

Gardeners:

  • work regular business hours and sometimes weekends
  • usually work outside in parks and gardens, but may also work in glasshouses and nurseries
  • work in most weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

Gardeners need to be reasonably fit, healthy and strong, and have a good level of stamina, as they may spend a lot of time bending and lifting. They should not have any allergies to pollens, sprays or plants.

Useful personal qualities

Gardeners need to be:

  • able to follow instructions
  • creative, with an eye for detail
  • motivated
  • practical
  • adaptable, as weather can change plans at the last minute.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Agriculture and Horticulture

Gardeners plant and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers in public or private gardens and parks.

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