Reshape your future with Hei Whanake

Introducing you to the basics of Horticulture, while providing opporunities to learn various practical life skills to take into the workplace.

After completing the Hei Whanake programme, you will gain your Level 2 Certificate in Primary Industry Skills and open opportunities for employment as an orchard worker, harvester, vineyard hand, farm assistant, packhouse worker, or in various other horticulture-based roles.

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Updates

Our course dates for the start of 2025 are below. Apply today and get started on a new career in horticulture!

    • Hawke’s Bay | Start November 12 2024 until March 18 2025 | Tutor: Queen Ngahuka
    • Napier | Start February 3 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
    • Hastings | Start February 3 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
    • Te Puke | Start February 10 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki
    • Tauranga | Start February 10 2025 | Tutor: Missy Grey and Basie Pikimaui
    • Blenheim | Start April 28 2025 until July 29 2025 | Tutor: Nastassia Wolfgramm
    • Napier | Start May 26 2025 until August 26 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
    • Hastings | Start May 26 2025 until August 26 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
    • Tauranga | Start June 3 2025 until September 2 2025 | Tutor: Basie Pikimaui
    • Te Puke | Start June 3 2025 until September 2 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki
    • Napier | Start September 15 2025 until December 16 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
    • Hastings | Start September 15 2025 until December 16 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
    • Tauranga | Start September 22 2025 until December 22 2025 | Tutor: Basie Pikimaui
    • Te Puke | Start September 22 2025 until December 22 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki

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What is
Hei Whanake ?

A 13-week course focusing on the soft skills required to function successfully in the workplace, as well as acquire basic horticultural skills.
This is a fully funded programme and has a work-integrated learning approach that prepares Youth/Rangatahi (16-24 years) to enter the workforce in New Zealand’s Primary industry, in particular horticulture. Pastoral care is provided throughout their student journey which includes a pick-up and drop-off service for the duration of the programme.
Successful graduates will  gain the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) on completion which will open employment opportunities in the industry.

Level: NZQA Level 2
Credits: 41
Locations: Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough
Duration: 13 Weeks

This programme would suit Rangatahi who have no formal qualifications or have only completed NCEA level 1. If you have already completed NCEA Level 2 you may still be eligible. Applicants who have completed NCEA Level 3 are not eligible for Youth Guarantee Funding and will need to pay fees for this programme. Please Contact your Regional Coordinator if you would like to discuss your eligibility.

To be eligible for the course, and the free funding, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. I am a resident of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  2. I am at least 16 years old and at most 24 years old, or I am 15 years old and can get an exemption to leave school.
  3. I live in an area where the course is offered.
  4. I do NOT have NCEA level 3*.

* Those with NCEA level 3 are ineligible for Youth Guarantee Funding and will need to pay fees for the programme. Contact a tutor to discuss your eligibility.

We offer the course in multiple locations, including:

Bay of Plenty:

  • Tauranga
  • Te Puke
  • Western Bay of Plenty

Hawkes’ Bay:

  • Napier
  • Hastings
  • Central Hawke’s Bay
  • Wairoa

Marlborough:

  • Blenheim
  • Hawke’s Bay | Start November 12 2024 until March 18 2025 | Tutor: Queen Ngahuka
  • Napier | Start February 3 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
  • Hastings | Start February 3 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
  • Te Puke | Start February 10 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki
  • Tauranga | Start February 10 2025 | Tutor: Missy Grey and Basie Pikimaui
  • Blenheim | Start April 28 2025 until July 29 2025 | Tutor: Nastassia Wolfgramm
  • Napier | Start May 26 2025 until August 26 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
  • Hastings | Start May 26 2025 until August 26 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
  • Tauranga | Start June 3 2025 until September 2 2025 | Tutor: Basie Pikimaui
  • Te Puke | Start June 3 2025 until September 2 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki
  • Napier | Start September 15 2025 until December 16 2025 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki
  • Hastings | Start September 15 2025 until December 16 2025 | Tutor: Teri Bird
  • Tauranga | Start September 22 2025 until December 22 2025 | Tutor: Basie Pikimaui
  • Te Puke | Start September 22 2025 until December 22 2025 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki

A typical day during the Hei Whanake course will either be in the classroom, onsite completing work experience, or on a  field trip or other out of class activity.

Akonga will be picked up in the morning and driven to either the classroom or to an orchard or packhouse to complete a practical component of the programme. During the day you will be taught by an experienced Tutor who will guide you through each Unit Standard and work experience, supporting your learning needs. Lunch will also be provided as part of the programme.

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"SCHOOL ISN'T FOR EVERYBODY. AT HEI WHANAKE, I FELT LIKE I BELONGED."

Meet Our
Amazing Tutors

Missy Grey

Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator

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Queen Ngahuka Profile Picture

Queen Ngahuka

Hawke's Bay and Gisborne Regional Coordinator

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Helen Redshaw

Marlborough Regional Coordinator

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Anthony Taueki

Napier Tutor

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Mike Hauraki

Bay of Plenty/Te Puke Tutor

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Teri Bird

Hastings Tutor

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Basie Pikimaui

Bay of Plenty/Te Puke Tutor

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Nastassia Wolfgramm

Blenheim Tutor

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Testimonials
From our students

I would recommend Hei Whanake as it lets me be in my own space with one on one time with tutors. I’ve been able to learn new skills in a comfortable environment.
It’s more one and one with Hei Whanake, and we’re learning more than what I would learn in school. We get to learn lots of new things, enjoy new activities, and enjoy every day!
I would recommend Hei Whanake due to the caring and supportive tutors, new skills, and a cool bunch of classmates to hang out with.

Frequently Asked Questions

The course is designed to set you up with practical skills that will help you in the workplace across many industries. Your main focus will be horticulture, spending time in the orchards, packhouses and the classroom. You will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2).

You may be eligible to have the Govenment pay for your course fees through their Youth Guarantee Fund.

Contact us via the website form and explain that you want to apply for the funding, and our team will do their best to get it approved on your behalf.

The course is 30 hours per week, across 13 weeks of study.

To apply for the Hei Whanake programme simply complete the application form online:

  1. Complete the application form and submit the completed form along with your ID. Your ID can either be your passport or birth certificate.
  2. Your application will be reviewed by the Regional Coordinator.
  3. The Regional Coordinator will contact you to discuss the programme and your eligibility.
  4. If accepted into the programme, the Regional Coordinator will send you an offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.
  5. You will need to read the Confirmation of Enrolment, check the details are correct and sign it.
  6. Return the signed Confirmation of Enrolment to the Regional Coordinator.
  7. You will then be officially enrolled in the programme and ready to join the class for orientation week!

Check out Hei Whanake on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok for regular updates from the classroom, orchard and field trips to get an insight into what the course looks like and the skills you will acquire.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today, or talk with a course advisor.

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Talk To A Tutor

Missy Grey

Kia ora, ko Missy tōku ingoa. 

I am one of the kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme. I am a qualified teacher with a background of teaching at Intermediate and Secondary schools. My own experiences as a learner and teacher has lead me to becoming involved with supporting rangatahi who don’t fit into mainstream education or are faced with certain barriers that inhibit them from learning. 

I am passionate about supporting rangatahi to become self confident life long learners. The most rewarding part of being a kaiako is seeing learners apply new skills and believe in themselves and their potential. Our Hei Whanake programme is suitable for those who struggle in mainstream, prefer hands-on experiences, enjoy outdoor activities, or want to be in a small class of learners. Our core values, Manaakitanga and whanaungatanga are important and enables us to create a safe space to learn in. 

Come and join our Hei Whanake programme!

Contact Missy

Queen Ngahuka

Ko Queen Ngahuka tōku ingoa

Hei Whanake Regional Coordinator

Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.

 

My background is in Education, Horticulture and Health, having qualifications in these sectors.

As a facilitator I enjoy working with clients that helps them to be successful.

I enjoy group facilitation, tutoring and providing the support to meet the clients’ goals.

I enjoy engaging with stakeholders and building long lasting relationships that will support our clients.

 

The “Hei Whanake” programme supports our clients to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve a Qualification in National Certificate in Primary Industry Skills level 2.

 

Mauri Ora

Contact Queen

Helen Redshaw

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Helen Redshaw tōku ingoa

My background is in Ecological Sciences and Education.  I have worked in secondary and tertiary education sectors in both Scotland and Aotearoa – as a teacher, rural schools’ advisor and evaluator.  I’ve enjoyed being involved with the local wine industry, as a grower, tour operator and coordinating & delivering education programmes for RSE workers.

Having lived in Marlborough for over 25 years, I am delighted to call Te Tau Ihu my home.

 My role as Regional Coordinator is to facilitate a seamless journey for our rangatahi through the Hei Whanake programme and moving forward on their chosen pathway.  I’m excited to be a part of this programme making a positive difference to the lives of local rangatahi.

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Anthony Taueki​

Kia ora whānau. I’m Anthony Taueki, I serve as the Kaiako for Hei Whanake Napier and Northern areas. With over 13 years of experience in Horticulture and the primary sector, I’ve been engaged in multiple aspects of the industry including training and employability. My journey in the primary sector has enabled me to explore the world and continually strive for excellence.

 

My passion is people and this is driven by the desire to create meaningful pathways with whānau. Hei Whanake offers learners the opportunity to develop essential soft skills, foster friendships, engage in fun hands-on learning experiences, enjoy outdoor and fitness activities and have the opportunity to earn 41 credits at level 2. Our network’s capabilities are geared towards helping learners set and achieve their goals whilst being guided towards career opportunities or higher education. I look forward to joining you along your journey.

Contact Anthony

Mike Hauraki​

Kia ora, Ko Mikaere Hauraki toku ingoa.

I am a level 2 Tutor for Fruition Horticulture based in Te Puke, the Kiwifruit capital of the world.

Although I haven’t had a background in teaching, my whanau have been working with Rangatahi and whanau support services in this area for generations, I guess this is where I get my passion for working with Rangatahi from.

I find working with our Rangatahi, especially the ones that may not fit the school mould, giving them the soft skills they’ll need to transition into work, all while gaining a L2 Certificate in Primary Industries in a safe, and comfortable surrounding hugely rewarding. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Ma te huruhuru, Ka rere te Manu.

Adorn a bird with feathers so that it may fly.

Contact Mike

Teri Bird

Kia ora /Kiaorana

Ko Teri Bird toku ingoa.  I am one of the facilitators for the ‘Hei Whanake’ course based in Hawke’s Bay. “The Fruit Bowl of New Zealand”.

I have worked in this space for many years, working alongside many different age groups, and ethnicity’s. During my time to date I have managed to upskill myself, not just on paper, but within my own whare tapa wha. I have managed to develop a strong connection with the other providers here in Hawke’s bay.

This year our region was hit very hard with the Cyclone. We as a community and as a whanau, managed to keep our youth engaged, by utilizing what our community has to offer and what can we also do as a provider.  Seeing our youth out in their own backyard, showing support by ‘Making cuppa tea, sorting clothes and moving silt’ Humbled my manawa, knowing that I played a small part of that moment, by making sure “our youth” are safe, their whole well being, and then us as a whanau checking in on everyone in our community.  Its stories like this, that makes me smile.

I am not just working with our youth, I AM WORKING WITH OUR WHANAU.

Nga Mihi

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Basie Pikimaui

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Basie Pikimaui ahau.

As part of the Bay of Plenty based Fruition Horticulture/Hei Whanake team.

My role as a level 2 tutor allows me to engage with rangatahi mai Ngā Kuri ā whārei ki Maketu (from Katikati to Maketu) in a truly holistic way, encompassing my Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) upbringing to enhance the futures of all we teach.

My professional background includes sales and marketing as well as various roles within the social sector. With all roles being outcomes focused, I pride myself on achieving positive results in a safe and nurturing manner. Always keeping the following whakatauki (proverb) in the back of my mind.

“He tina ki runga, he tāmore ki raro.” – “In order to flourish above, one must be firmly rooted below”

Thus complementing our name “Hei Whanake – To Grow/Develop.”

Tūturu whakamaua kia tīnā, haumi e, hui e, taiki e!

Contact Basie

Nastassia Wolfgramm

Mālō e lelei, Ko hoku hingoa ko Nastassia Wolfgramm.

 

I am of Tongan, French Polynesian, Fijian and German descent, born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. In 2023, I made the move to beautiful Marlborough to work with the amazing Pasifika arts community there.

 

I have twelve years’ experience developing and delivering educational and creative arts programmes and workshops. I have also mentored youth in schools, church productions, charity organisations, community and professional shows. I have a degree in Performing Arts, have toured internationally and nationally as a singer/actor and have worked alongside some of Aotearoa’s finest Māori and Pasifika creatives. 

 

I am passionate about empowering rangatahi to discover their unique potential and am excited to be joining the Hei Whanake team as Kaiako in Blenheim. 

 

One Tongan value that resonates with me is ‘Tuai kae pau’ which translates to ‘slowly but surely’. For me, it speaks to growth being a journey and to not give up no matter what comes our way – we’ll get there eventually.

 

Faka’apa’apa atu (Respectfully)

Contact Nastassia