Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
This industry-standard qualification will provide you with the knowledge and skills to carry out tree maintenance and management activities at heights, including tree removal. Graduates will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4).
About the programmeDo you love working outdoors and want a hands-on, physical job? Arborists/tree surgeons are in demand for their ability to care for, and maintain, trees.
Become a tree surgeon by studying arboriculture – a specialised field involving pruning, felling, transplanting and maintaining the health of trees and shrubs. New Zealand’s diverse and robust horticulture and related industries have experienced a steady growth over recent years and this means that qualified and experienced arborists are in demand, not only in this country, but across the world.
Employment opportunities exist within City or District council parks and gardens, with private companies, or as a contract climber. With motivation and further experience you could even think about self-employment or tree care consultancy roles.
During this programme, you'll learn both the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of carrying out arboriculture tasks, with an emphasis on hands-on training in parks and garden areas around Dunedin. Field trips and four weeks of work experience are important parts of the programme that help you to connect with those already working in this dynamic industry.
Graduates of this programme will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Arboriculture) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Arboriculture).
Entry criteria
Skills needed to work in this area Physical fitness Planning and organisational skills Good communication and team work skills A good work ethic An eye for detail
Academic requirementsNCEA Level 1 OR equivalent.
Applicants must have the physical and cognitive ability required for tree climbing and working at heights.
A medical certificate may be requested to support an individual’s eligibility to enrol in the programme.
International requirements and equivalenceTo enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 (academic, no band score lower than 5.0) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Special entry In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet the academic entry requirements for this programme, you may be granted entry to the programme where you can supply evidence of your ability to succeed.
This must be supplied to the Learning Leader of the Programme.
Other requirementsIf accepted, you must comply with the current Drug and Alcohol Policy for the Arboriculture Programme.
All students will complete the National Adult Literacy and Numeracy Assessment tool on commencement and on completion of their programme.
Selection processApplications that meet the entry requirements are processed on a first come-first served basis until the programme has reached capacity.
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