Horticulture – Past, Present and Future
Micro-credential
Contact us about professional development for your employees.
Why Horticulture – Past, Present and Future ?
This micro-credential develops learners’ capability in critical data analysis to interpret historical production performance and forecast future trends within New Zealand horticulture. Participants will build the skills to analyse key industries and enterprises, evaluate the strategic and environmental factors influencing success, and identify opportunities for performance improvement. Through the application of quantitative and qualitative tools, learners will strengthen their ability to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to informed industry and enterprise planning.
- No tuition fees for employees of Fruition scholarship partner organisations.
- Face-to-face or join online
- Under 3 months to receive your micro credential
- Tailored to your work
- 20 credits on the NZ Qualifications Framework at Level 6
Why This Course Could Change Your Career
- Develop advanced analytical skills to interpret production data and identify strategic growth opportunities.
- Strengthen your ability to support evidence-based decision-making at enterprise and industry level.
- Build forecasting capability to anticipate trends and respond proactively to change.
- Enhance your understanding of environmental and strategic factors shaping horticultural performance in New Zealand.
- Gain skills valued in advisory, management, compliance and leadership roles across the horticulture sector.
Meet Your
Course Tutor
Sandy Scarrow
Bachelor of Horticultural Science
Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture, Business and Administration
Sandy was born into a horticultural family and made production horticulture her career when, after graduating with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science from Massey, she began working as a Horticultural Advisor with MAF 36 years ago. Over that time, Sandy has worked with growers and the wider industry to implement technological changes that have lifted production and improved other outputs.
About the micro-credential
Horticulture – Past, Present and Future
LO 1: Demonstrate self-awareness, personal wellbeing strategies, and resilience practices that support effective leadership in workplace contexts.
LO 2: Apply inclusive and culturally responsive communication skills, including pastoral care and emotional intelligence, to engage and support diverse teams.
LO 3: Interpret and implement relevant organisational policies, procedures, and support systems to lead others in accordance with workplace expectations.
LO 4: Develop and implement effective team engagement strategies that build cohesion, productivity, and positive workplace culture.
LO 5: Respond constructively to seasonal and environmental challenges in people, food and fibre industries through reflective leadership and adaptive practice.
Watch this space. Key dates will be added about six months before the course starts
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 to complete the programme of study successfully.
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 the above academic criteria, evidence of relevant knowledge, experience, and the ability to undertake tertiary study at the diploma level is required. In this case, the applicant must participate in an enrolment interview to verify the evidence.
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to this programme of study, where they supply evidence to satisfy the Academic Committee of their ability to succeed in 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.
Applications will open about six months before the course. Watch this space.
Get ahead of the future
Explore where horticulture has come from, understand where it stands today, and prepare for where it is heading.
Understand the historical foundations of New Zealand horticulture and how past decisions shape current production systems and markets.
Analyse the impact of environmental pressures, climate change, freshwater reform, and sustainability expectations on future production.
Understand evolving consumer expectations, global market access requirements, and changing quality standards.
Identify risks and opportunities that will influence the long-term resilience of horticultural businesses.
Examine current industry structures, supply chains, workforce trends, and market drivers influencing today’s horticultural enterprises.
Explore emerging technologies, automation, and innovation shaping productivity and labour models.
Examine social licence, regulatory change, and industry leadership responses to future challenges.
Develop informed perspectives on how enterprises can adapt strategically to remain competitive and sustainable.
About The Fruition
Level 6 Diploma
This micro-credential course is equivalent to one of six papers that make up the full Fruition Level 6 Diploma of Horticulture Production course that is completed over two years.
Fruition is offering the “Continuous Improvement in Horticultural Industries” paper as a micro credential, meaning you can gain knowledge from this amazing course without having to commit to the full diploma.
We offer our credentials with the intention to seek approval for these to be stacked towards the Fruition Diploma of Horticulture Production.