Level 6: Fruition Diploma in Horticulture Production

Diploma Summary

Fruition’s Diploma in Horticulture Production is the ONLY Horticulture Diploma offered at Level 6 in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is part-time over two years, with classes on Wednesday evenings. You can attend from anywhere in the country, or come to the in-person classroom which is live streamed to the cohort. No worries if you miss a class – they are all recorded for you to re-watch later.

Completing this diploma will give you the skills and knowledge needed to move into higher-up managerial positions in the horticulture industry, or just to manage your orchard better. This diploma has a focus on the local Aotearoa New Zealand industry.

There are six papers over the two years. Assessments are mostly report based, with no “final exams”. You will be graded on the quality of the work you produce throughout each paper.

Each paper has a field trip (3 per year). Once per year, we have a compulsory 3-day field trip – the fees for this are included with your tuition. Aside from the compulsory 3-day field trip, we also have two 1-day field trips which can be attended online or in-person.

• NZQF Qualification Level: 6
• NZQA Credits: 120
• Location: Online or Classroom (based in Tauranga)
• Classes: Every Wednesday 4-9pm
• Duration: 72 Weeks (over 2 years)
• Funding: Fees Free (if learners eligible)
• 2023 Fees: $1,190 per paper + administration fees if applicable. See the following: Administration Fees
• Expected Study Hours Per Week:
• Directed Learning (Live Classes): 5 hours/week
• Self Directed Learning: 5 hours/week
• Work Place Learning: 7 hours/week
• Total learning hours per week: 17 hours (10 hours/week outside of work, 7 hours/week while working)

This programme develops the skills and knowledge of those employed or seeking employment within horticulture enabling them to contribute at an advanced technical or managerial level. This programme focuses on the specialist requirements for ‘horticultural production and process improvement’ for the purpose of meeting domestic and international market requirements and emerging opportunities for horticultural products.

Graduate Profile Outcomes

Learners who successfully complete the programmes following Graduate Profile Outcomes (GPOs) will be awarded the New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 6) [Ref: 2667] with a strand in Process Improvement. Graduates will be able to:

• Critically analyse data to determine production and performance trends
• Critically analyse products, techniques or technologies that contribute to business outcomes
• Research, design, and manage ongoing strategies for continuous improvement of horticulture production or technologies 

Graduates of this programme will be able to apply in-depth horticulture production knowledge and skills to inform strategic business decisions.  Learners will develop advanced technical skills to enable enhanced employment opportunities across a range of horticulture production operations.  The horticulture industry will benefit by having experienced technical specialists who can optimise workplace efficiency and lift the competitive edge of organisations servicing the domestic and international markets.

2023 Key Dates

Courses

The Diploma is made up of six individual courses. You do not need to complete a previous course to start a new one, which means new enrolments can join at the start of any course to begin their journey of completing all six. The topics of each 12-week course for the diploma are:

• DHP6.001 – Production Enhancements
• DHP6.002 – Performance Management
• DHP6.003 – Technology Trends
• DHP6.004 – Product Innovations
• DHP6.005 – Where Production Meets Postharvest
• DHP6.006 – Continuous Improvement

Entry Criteria

There are no prerequisites. Entry to the programme of study will be in order of receipt of applications and enrolments by applicants who meet the entry criteria required under the programme regulations; and have appropriate capabilities in order to successfully complete the programme of study.

Entry Criteria:
Successful completion of a Level 4 certificate or above (or equivalent), preferably in the Primary Industries subject area, OR
For applicants 20 years or older without any of the above academic criteria, evidence of relevant knowledge and experience, and the ability to undertake tertiary study at diploma level is required. In this case the applicant will be required to participate in an enrolment interview with the purpose of verifying the evidence.

In exceptional circumstances an applicant who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the Fruition Diploma in Horticulture Production [Level 6] where they supply evidence to satisfy the Academic Committee of their ability to succeed on the programme.

Students must demonstrate significant workplace experience (e.g. a supervisory and/or management role OR equivalent); within the horticulture industry.

Students will be required to provide evidence that they can progress through the programme of study. This may require any or more of the following:

• Pre-Enrolment Interview
• Challenge assessments
• Submission of a portfolio of work

Further details about entry criteria are contained in the supporting documentation.

Unsure if you meet the entry requirements? Get in touch with us to discuss your options! Click the following link to submit an enquiry: Contact Us

Field Trips

Learners are required to participate in a series of fieldtrips/workshops where learners are introduced to the range of horticultural production systems in New Zealand. Workshops include presentations from leading growers/processors in New Zealand speaking on the current and future issues and opportunities, and industry norms for data analysis and reporting.

The 1-day fieldtrips can be attended either in-person or online. The 3-day fieldtrip in October is compulsory, and in-person participation is required. All transport, food and accommodation costs for the 3-day fieldtrip are included in the course fees.

Costs & Funding

The cost of the diploma is $1190 per paper + any administration fees, for each of the six papers (totalling $7140 + fees). This can be paid per-paper, otherwise alternate payment plans can be arranged. Contact Us to find out more.

Fruition offers a Fruition Scholarship, which can fully cover yourt course fees. For more information, or to apply, please visit the Fruition Scholarships Page.

All NZ Citizens and Resident Visa Holders* may be eligible for government tuition subsidies through Fees Free. To check your eligibility for Fees Free, visit the following link: Eligibility criteria

If you are unsure of eligibility please check your residency status and/or seek further clarity by contacting Immigration New Zealand on 0508 558 855.

If you are ineligible for Fees Free, an invoice will be issued you you at the beginning of each paper.

Some employers may pay for your tuition fees as part of a Personal Development plan. You should speak to your employer regarding this.

For more information on Administration Fees, please view the Administration Fees page.

Next Steps

If you wish to apply for the diploma, then Apply Now!

If you have any questions about the diploma, or are unsure if it the right fit for you, get in touch with us. We can let you know if you would be a good fit in the course, or we can suggest alternate courses that would be more suitable if not. Either way – send us a message and we will get back to you ASAP.

Contact Us