Agriculture and Horticulture Courses.

Agriculture.

Do you prefer working outside instead of an office? Do you enjoy working with animals? Does the idea of working in a multi-million dollar industry and still being able to go home for lunch to see the family appeal? How about being in an industry that New Zealand is a world leader in? If you answered yes to any of this then you should take a look at agriculture as a career.

Farming in New Zealand has changed in recent years. The dairy industry has grown markedly, with many large farms being developed to accommodate herds of 1,000 or more cows. This growth has led to a high demand for trained staff – a demand that still has not been met.

Of course, dairy farming is not the only option in agriculture.

Opportunities exist in rearing cattle for dairy farms, beef farming, sheep, cropping, contracting, fencing, advisory work, research, and more.  Another great thing about agriculture is that the skills you gain in one area often relate well to other areas of the industry so you can change direction in your career if you wish.

Our agriculture courses are perfect for people who want to get a head-start in farming and for people who want to build on the farming skills they already have.  You will gain work experience on a variety of farms, complete a range of practical work, and learn first-hand what farming is all about.

Horticulture.

Does growing your own fruit and vegetables appeal? How about creating beautiful landscape designs or having the best looking garden in the neighbourhood? Perhaps you want to learn more about native plants? If any of this interests you then consider growing that interest further by studying horticulture at Waiariki.

Our horticulture graduates have used their skills and knowledge to gain employment at garden centres, with landscapers, with the council in gardens and parks and on orchards.  Others have set up their own gardening businesses and still others have gone on to more horticulture training. Horticulture has plenty of opportunities and not least of all is enjoying plants and your own garden to a greater level.

The Certificate in Horticulture is a great way to explore different parts of the industry and gain both practical skills and knowledge that can be used life long.

Horticulture – skills to grow with, skills for life.

If you would like to learn more about gardening you can also check out Shane's gardening tips here.

Turf Management

Behind every great game of golf or winning game of rugby is another team. This team is made up of the people who care for, maintain and manage the grass and grounds you play on. Most of us regularly get to enjoy the work these people do, and life would not be the same without their efforts.

Turf care is a technical and rewarding career that provides huge satisfaction and the opportunity to mix outdoors, machinery, careful planning and technical knowledge.

Our turf maintenance and management training will get you started in the industry and give you hands-on, practical learning as well as the sound technical knowledge you will need.  So next time you are out on the sports ground, take a look around – perhaps this is the place for you!