The programme is based around Marlborough, New Zealand's premier wine-producing region.

NMIT describes Marlborough as a region particularly well known for wine production, with the Marlborough campus located near Blenheim.

This gives students an opportunity to study within an actual winegrowing environment rather than learning only from textbooks.

Programme Structure

The qualification consists of six compulsory courses plus an elective.

Compulsory Courses

1. Leadership in the Vineyard – HPW501

Credits: 15

Focuses on:

• Leadership theory
• Relationship management
• Teamwork
• Individual and collective identity
• Working effectively within the wine grape industry.

Wine Grape Development and Quality – HPW502

Credits: 15

Focuses on plant biology and environmental factors affecting grape production.

Students learn to apply sustainable crop-management techniques to optimise:

• Wine grape production
• Grape development
• Fruit quality.

Weather and Wine Grape Protection – HPW503

Credits: 15

Focuses on:

• Weather risks
• Sustainable crop-management strategies
• Wine grape protection
• Managing environmental risks
• Optimising grape production.

Vineyard Soils, Water and Nutrition Management – HPW504

Credits: 15

Students develop knowledge relating to:

• Vineyard soils
• Water management
• Plant nutrition
• Sustainable vineyard management.

Vineyard Crop Protection – HPW505

Credits: 15

Students learn to plan and manage a wine-grape crop-protection programme sustainably while meeting production objectives and standards.

Vineyard Planning and Management – HPW506

Credits: 30

This is one of the larger courses in the qualification.

It focuses on planning and managing wine-grape production according to:

• Best-practice industry principles
• Sustainable production
• Vineyard management
• Production planning
• Reflection and evaluation.

Disciplines / Specialisation

The programme is specifically focused on:

Winegrowing / Viticulture

Major areas include:

• Vineyard management
• Wine grape production
• Grape quality
• Crop protection
• Soil management
• Water management
• Plant nutrition
• Weather-risk management
• Sustainable production
• Vineyard planning
• Vineyard leadership
• Industry practice
• Viticulture research.

Practical and Workplace Learning

This is one of the programme's major differentiators.

Students can integrate study with their existing employment.

NMIT describes the programme as allowing learners to:

• Study while working
• Apply knowledge directly to their workplace
• Receive tutor support
• Learn from real seasonal vineyard conditions
• Connect with industry partners.

Career Outcomes

The qualification can support progression into roles involving increased responsibility in the winegrowing industry.

Potential career directions include:

• Vineyard Supervisor
• Vineyard Team Leader
• Assistant Vineyard Manager
• Vineyard Manager
• Winegrower
• Viticulture Technician
• Vineyard Operations Coordinator
• Crop-management roles
• Sustainable vineyard-management roles.

Special Requirements Checklist

A prospective applicant should be prepared to demonstrate:

Academic

• NZ Certificate in Horticulture Production Level 4
• Or equivalent academic achievement.

English

• IELTS Academic 5.5 overall
• No band below 5.0
• Or accepted alternative English evidence.

Employment

Current employment in the winegrowing industry in New Zealand is required.

Attendance

• Ability to attend required Marlborough block courses.

Practical learning

• Ability to integrate workplace learning with study.

Financial

• Tuition/course fees
• Student Services Fee
• Living costs
• Insurance
• Travel and accommodation where applicable.

Immigration

• Appropriate visa status
• Permission to study part-time where required
• Compliance with work/study conditions.

Latest NMIT Updates Relevant to This Programme

NMIT is now an independent polytechnic

From 1 January 2026, NMIT became independent from Te P?kenga. NMIT says this provides greater autonomy and allows stronger regional industry connections.

Programme remains active

The Level 5 Winegrowing Diploma is currently listed in NMIT's programme catalogue and Primary Industries study area.

Qualification has current NZQA consistency-review history

NZQA lists the qualification 2666 – New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5), including the Wine Growing strand, in its 2025 consistency-review records.

Marlborough remains a major NMIT viticulture hub

NMIT continues to position the Marlborough campus as a centre for viticulture, wine education, research and industry engagement.