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Seedlings in pots waiting to be planted in garden bed

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)

Sustainable Horticulture

NZ2218

Course details

  • Feb 2026
  • One semester
  • Part-time
  • Fees-free*
  • Level 2
  • Hamilton Rotokauri Campus

Summary

Get hands-on with nature and learn the art and science of growing healthy plants, fruits, and vegetables. This practical, down-to-earth programme introduces you to the world of garden care, plant propagation, soil management, and sustainable growing practices, all designed to promote a greener, healthier planet.

You’ll gain real-world skills and confidence through:
· Plant and garden care, propagation, and soil management
· Setting up and maintaining a productive vegetable garden
· Growing and managing fruit trees, including pruning and feeding
· Practising safe work habits in outdoor environments
· Learning sustainable, organic methods that support garden ecosystems and water management

Our approach is hands-on; you’ll learn by doing, guided by passionate tutors who support you at your own pace. Classes are scheduled three days a week, making balancing study with other life commitments easy.

Whether you’re passionate about plants, love working outdoors, or simply want to grow your own food and live more sustainably, this programme offers the perfect start. From seed to harvest, you’ll discover how to take your garden to your plate feeding your whānau, saving on your budget, and enjoying the simple satisfaction of home-grown success.

Graduates are well prepared to progress into our Level 4 Amenity Horticulture programme and continue growing their expertise in the thriving green industries.

 

What you will learn

Over a semester, you will learn about the following areas:

  • Garden care and maintenance
  • Vegetable gardening
  • Horticulture practices
  • Home orchard growing with a focus on trees and fruit
  • Safety practices

View programme modules

Module codeModule nameLevelCredits Pre-requisites Co-requisites
CPI201Safe Practices210  
CPI202Introduction to Primary Industries230  
CPI203Self-Management and Employability Skills 220  

Career/further opportunities

This course is a great stepping stone to further study in amenity horticulture. You can progress to our Applied Horticultural Services (Level 3) (Amenity) programme and also enter entry-level roles such as a farm assistant, orchard worker, or harvester.

Events

No events.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

This programme is open to anyone who wants to study. You do not need any previous study or work experience to apply.

Selection criteria

All applicants who meet the entry requirements are accepted onto the programme until the maximum class sizes are reached, then a waiting list is established.

English language requirements

This programme has no English language requirements.

Click the button below to see full details of the entry criteria.
Don't meet the entry criteria?

Pathways

Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscape Design and Construction pathway diagram

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: 9.30am-2pm
Venue: Q Block foyer, Rotokauri Campus

What you will need

We recommend you wear steel cap safety boots; however, please wear covered-toe shoes if you do not have safety boots.

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - payment and permits may be required. Learn more about parking and find out about bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    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.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

    Portfolio

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