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Applied Horticultural Services (Level 3) (Arboriculture)
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture with strands in Arboriculture
SX1702
Course details
-
Feb 2026
- One semester
- Full-time or Part-time
- $5,318*
- You may qualify for fee-free study under MPTT*
- Level 3
- Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Summary
This programme suits those who have some general horticultural experience or who have the desire to work in the arboriculture horticultural sector. Learn skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to work in the arboriculture industry under limited supervision, taking responsibility for work outcomes.
You will explore:
- Chainsaw safety and operations
- Chipper use
- Arboriculture codes of practice
- Ground duties
- Tree climbing and equipment safety
- Tree identification, planting, and care
- Tree pruning and felling
View programme modules
| Module code | Module name | Level | Credits | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORT101 | Workplace Health and Safety | 1 | 3 | ||
| HORT211 | Provide Life Support | 2 | 2 | ||
| HORT201 | Provide First Aid | 2 | 1 | ||
| ARBO200 | Chainsaw Operation | 2 | 8 | HORT101, HORT211, HORT201, HORT324 | |
| HORT324 | Managing First Aid in Emergency Situations | 3 | 2 | ||
| HORT325 | Teamwork | 3 | 3 | ||
| HORT326 | Active Listening | 3 | 3 | ||
| HORT328 | Chippers | 3 | 3 | HORT101, HORT211, HORT201, HORT324 | |
| HORT329 | Ground Duties | 3 | 4 | ||
| HORT335 | Botany | 3 | 5 | ||
| HORT322 | Safety Near Electric Lines | 3 | 5 | ||
| ARBO300 | Nomenclature and Tree Identification | 3 | 6 | ||
| ARBO301 | Arboriculture Codes of Practice | 3 | 2 | ||
| ARBO302 | Tree Planting | 3 | 2 | ||
| ARBO303 | Understanding Tree Pruning | 3 | 3 | ||
| ARBO304 | Amenity Tree Pruning | 3 | 5 | ||
| ARBO305 | Tree Felling | 3 | 5 | ARBO200, HORT203 | |
| ARBO400 | Climbing and Rescue | 4 | 10 | ARBO200, ARBO301 |
Career/further opportunities
Graduates will have the qualifications necessary to become an arborist.
This practical, project-driven certificate is a pathway to our Advanced Horticultural Trades (Level 4) (Arboriculture) programme, where you will gain advanced tree work and care skills. You can then progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 5), and eventually to the Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6).
Events
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
This programme is open to anyone who wants to study. You don’t need any previous study or work experience to apply.
Selection criteria
a) Candidates may be required to complete an interview and selection process. This may include the requirement to complete a Study Skills Assessment to demonstrate the level of academic skill necessary to successfully complete this programme.
b)
To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme.
c) Prior to commencing the programme all candidates will be required to undertake a police check at a level sufficient
for safe and effective practice within the field of horticulture.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5.5, with no individual band score lower than 5.0; or equivalent.
In accordance with industry guidelines, candidates will be expected to undertake drug screening at the commencement of this programme.
As some of the practical components within this programme are considered high risk, students will be required to submit to an initial drug screen, and may be required to submit to further drug screening if there is reasonable cause to suspect a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as per Wintec’s Drug & Alcohol Policy (OP-16/04).
Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
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Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Semester 1 2026
Date: To be confirmed
Time: 9am-4.30pm
Venue: Q Block foyer, Rotokauri Campus
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
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