New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for a career as an arborist or tree surgeon with this recognised NZQA Level 3 and Level 4 qualification in Arboriculture.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Perform safe arboriculture practices
Graduates can carry out tree maintenance and management activities at height using safe and effective techniques.
Apply plant and tree care skills
Demonstrate the ability to identify, plant, prune and maintain the health of a wide variety of trees and shrubs.
Maintain arboriculture equipment
Carry out regular maintenance of arboricultural tools and machinery for safe operation.
What You're Signing Up For
This industry-standard qualification provides knowledge and skills to carry out tree maintenance and management at heights, including tree removal. Graduates receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4). The programme emphasises hands-on learning in the field and includes four weeks of work experience. Employment opportunities exist with councils, private companies, or as a contractor, with pathways towards consultancy or self-employment possible.
Course Content
- Communication: Teamwork and effective workplace communication
- Health and Safety Management: Identifying and managing risks in arboriculture environments
- Foundation Climbing Skills: Using appropriate climbing equipment and techniques
- Tree Identification and Pruning: Recognising species and applying pruning best practice
- Ground Duties and Equipment: Maintaining machinery and carrying out support tasks
- Tree Planting: Soil preparation, planting, and establishment of trees and shrubs
- Supervisory Skills in Arboriculture: Team supervision and feedback
- Tree Climbing Technique: Safe tree climbing and aerial rescue
- Pruning Techniques: Advanced tree and shrub pruning, chainsaw use at height
- Tree Health: Assessing tree health, identifying pests, diseases and disorders
- Tree Felling: Safe felling from the ground, processing felled trees
- Sectional Felling: Advanced dismantling techniques with and without rigging
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
Physical and cognitive ability required for tree climbing and working at heights (medical certificate may be requested)
If English is not the first language: IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0), NZ University Entrance, or equivalent evidence
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Horticulture
Arboriculture
Land & Environment
Local government parks and gardens
Future employment opportunities might be
Arborist
Tree surgeon
Contract climber
Parks and gardens roles
Self-employment
Tree care consultancy
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.