Reshape your future with Hei Whanake

Introducing you to the basics of Horticulture, while providing opportunities 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.

APPLY NOW

Updates

Our course dates for 2026 are below. Apply today for the next class in your region!

Nelson/Tasman | 24 November 2025 to 24 March 2026 | Tutor: Dale Wairau
Napier | 26 January 2026 to 19 June 2026 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki

Te Puke | 2 February 2026 to 26 June 2026 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki
Te Puke/Tauranga | 16 February 2026 to 9 July 2026 | Tutor: Davina Edwards

Nelson/Tasman | 13 April 2026 to 15 July 2026 | Tutor: Dale Wairau

Hastings | 25 May 2026 to 13 October 2026 | Tutor: Jordan Hetterley-Ngaia

Napier | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki

Te Puke/Tauranga | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Davina Edwards

Te Puke/Tauranga | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki

Nelson/Tasman | 3 August 2026 to 18 December 2026 | Tutor: Dale Wairau

What is
Hei Whanake ?

See Hei Whanake in action! Follow our social media for a real-life look at what the programme is all about.

Instagram Tiktok Facebook
A 20-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 or viticulture.
 
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) with optional strand in Self-Management and Employability which will open up employment opportunities in the industry.
 
Level: NZQA Level 2
Credits: 61
Locations: Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Nelson/Tasman
Duration: 20 Weeks (with a one week holiday break in the middle)
This programme would suit young people who have no formal qualifications or have only completed NCEA level 1. If you have already completed a Level 2 qualification you may still be eligible. Applicants who have completed a qualification at Level 3 or above are not eligible. 
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 Hei Whanake is offered.
  4. I do NOT have any qualifications at Level 3 (or above) on the NZ Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

If in doubt 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
  • Kawerau/ Eastern Bay of Plenty

Hawkes’ Bay:

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

Marlborough:

  • Blenheim

Nelson/Tasman:

  • Richmond

Napier | 26 January 2026 to 19 June 2026 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki

Te Puke | 2 February 2026 to 26 June 2026 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki

Te Puke/Tauranga | 16 February 2026 to 9 July 2026 | Tutor: Davina Edwards

Nelson/Tasman | 13 April 2026 to 15 July 2026 | Tutor: Dale Wairau

Hastings | 25 May 2026 to 13 October 2026 | Tutor: Jordan Hetterley-Ngaia

Napier | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Anthony Taueki

Te Puke/Tauranga | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Davina Edwards

Te Puke/Tauranga | 20 July 2026 to 8 December 2026 | Tutor: Mike Hauraki

Nelson/Tasman | 3 August 2026 to 18 December 2026 | Tutor: Dale Wairau

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.

APPLY NOW
Talk To A Tutor

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

Meet Our
Amazing Tutors

Bay of Plenty

Missy Grey

Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator

View More

Mike Hauraki

Bay of Plenty/Te Puke Tutor

View More

Davina Edwards

Tauranga Tutor

View More

Hawke's Bay

Anthony Taueki

Napier Tutor

View More

Jordan Hetterley-Ngaia

Hastings Tutor

View More

Marlborough

Tanya Derrett

Marlborough Regional Coordinator

View More

Nelson/Tasman

Dale Wairau

Nelson/Tasman Tutor

View More

Take The Next Step

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS

DOWNLOAD

CHAT TO A COURSE ADVISOR

CONTACT

SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

INQUIRE NOW

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 20 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.

APPLY NOW
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

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

Davina Edwards

Kia ora, ko Davina Edwards tōku ingoa.
 
I’m one of the kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme in Te Puke/Tauranga.
 
I love supporting rangatahi who thrive through hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and teamwork, helping them build confidence, discover their strengths, and take positive steps towards their future.
 
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei” — Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
 
This whakatau reminds us to aim high and pursue our potential, and walking alongside rangatahi and their whānau to create meaningful pathways is what inspires me every day.
Contact Davina

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

Jordan Hetterley-Ngaia

Kia ora whānau, ko Jordan tōku ingoa. I’m the Hastings kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme, bringing a strong background in horticulture and the primary sector into my teaching. Through my journey, I’ve gained hands-on experience across different areas of the industry, shaping both my skills and my passion for working alongside people.

I’ve lived through a range of experiences and challenges, navigating obstacles with resilience and determination. These experiences shape how I show up — with authenticity, empathy, and a strong focus on whanaungatanga.

My passion is people. I’m driven by the desire to support learners from all walks of life to build confidence, discover their strengths, and realise that what once felt out of reach is achievable. I create practical, hands-on learning environments where learners feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

Hei Whanake offers opportunities to develop essential life and employability skills, build strong connections, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning. I’m committed to walking alongside learners and their whānau, supporting them to set goals and create pathways into employment or further opportunities.

Contact Jordan

Tanya Derrett

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Tanya tōku ikoa. He uri ahau nō Kai Tahu. Kei te noho au i Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui, ā, he kaimahi au i te kaupapa Hei Whanake.


I am the Coordinator for Hei Whanake in Marlborough, connecting with the community and supporting rangatahi who are exploring pathways . Many of our tauira have not thrived in mainstream settings, so I work closely with our kaiako to create a space where they feel safe, seen, and empowered to learn in ways that reflect who they are. I believe that supporting our rangitahi to understand and embrace their identity is essential to wellbeing—and to their ability to navigate an ever-changing work and learning landscape with confidence and resilience.


My approach is grounded in ako—recognising that teaching and learning are reciprocal and that everyone brings knowledge and value to the space. I hold qualifications in communication, career development, and education, and have spent the last 15 years working as a career specialist across training environments in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu, (NZ) and Australia.


Kā mihi nui.

Contact Tanya

Dale Wairau

Takitimu te Waka i hono te Iwi Rongomaiwahine ki tenei uri o Kai Tahu me Kati Mamoe.

Ko Dale Wairau toku ingoa.

Whanau is important to me because it is the core of our culture, it provides a foundational network of support, security, and identity that is crucial for our health and well-being.

As Kaiako/ tutor,  I welcome you into our Hei Whanake Whanau in Whakatū.- Nelson.

If you are wanting to take control of your educational choices and enjoy learning in a safe environment and you want to grow your character, then a special welcome awaits you…….Nau mai Haere Mai.

I bring life experience, cultural grounding, and a hands-on approach to my tutor role.  

I’m passionate about working alongside rangatahi/ whanau, and supporting them to recognize their potential, to grow their confidence, and develop their curiosity in learning.

Working within a kaupapa Māori environment is at the heart of what I do. I believe in the power of connection, tikanga, and practical learning to uplift individuals and whānau.

It’s a privilege to walk alongside our akonga/student on their journey, helping them to set and achieve their goals and to stand tall in who they are and where they’re heading.

“He tina ki runga hee taamore ki raro”

“In order to flourish above, one must have strong roots below”

Contact Dale