Hei Whanake – Foundation to Employment in Horticulture

Programme Information

Our Level 2 programme ‘Hei Whanake’ is designed to address employment challenges for it’s learners while supporting the learner to identify barriers and overcome such obstacles, Our programme is fully funded and has a work-integrated learning approach that prepares Youth/Rangatahi (16-24 years) to enter Primary industries, in particular horticulture.

• Level: NZQA Level 2
• Credits: 41
• Locations: Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay
• Duration: 16 Weeks

This free programme is a 16-week course focusing on the soft skills required to function successfully in the workplace, as well as acquire basic horticultural skills. Pastoral care of our Rangatahi (16-24 years old) is provided throughout their student journey which includes a pick-up and drop-off service for the duration of the programme. Successful graduates will be provided opportunities for possible employment and will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) on completion. Graduates of this programme will be able to be employed as an orchard worker, harvester, vineyard hand, or farm assistant to name a few examples.

To be eligible for this programme applicants must be 16-24 years old. Applicants who are 15 years old may be eligible with an Early Leaving Exemption form, please speak to the Regional Coordinator to discuss this further.

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 the Regional Coordinator if you would like to discuss your eligibility.

To apply for the Hei Whanake programme simply click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top or bottom of this page and follow these steps:

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

Our Level 2 Programme (Formerly Tū Te Wana) has been recognised as an artifact of excellence in a report by Food & Fibre CoVE. Click here for the report.

Hei Whanake Programme Dates for 2023

Listed below are the remaining programme dates for 2023. Apply now to secure your place or contact us for further information.

Daily Programme Structure

A typical day during the programme will either be in the classroom or onsite completing work experience. Students 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. Your day will start when you are picked up in the morning by your tutor and finishes in the afternoon. 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.

Hei Whanake Regional Coordinators

Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator

Missy Grey

Mobile: 027 279 5548
Email: missygrey@fruition.net.nz

Hawke’s Bay (Northern) Regional Coordinator

Anthony Taueki

Mobile: 027 258 2239
Email: anthonytaueki@fruition.ac.nz

Hawke’s Bay (Southern) Regional Coordinator

Teri Bird

Mobile: 0274 868 736
Email: teribird@fruition.ac.nz