Otago Polytechnic is a public, NZQA-accredited tertiary provider located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It specialises in practical, hands-on learning with strong industry connections. The Polytechnic supports international students with admissions guidance, academic support, student wellbeing services, and career-oriented training across a range of fields, including horticulture. The arboriculture programmes are designed to give students real skills for outdoor horticulture and tree care professions.

 

Why Study These Arboriculture Certificates?

If you love working outdoors, enjoy physical, technical activity, and want to build a career in tree care or horticulture services, this combined qualification is ideal. Arboriculture specialists (tree surgeons / arborists) are in demand not only in New Zealand but globally — working for councils, landscaping and tree care companies, or as self-employed contractors. The programme emphasises hands-on training, safety, practical experience and work placements, giving you the confidence employers look for.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The course integrates both Level 3 and Level 4 content in one qualification, giving you a broad skill base in arboriculture.

Core Subjects Covered

The credits include modules like:

• Communication & Teamwork — communicating effectively in horticulture teams (10 credits)

• Health & Safety Management — identifying and managing risks in arboriculture (15 cr)

• Foundation Climbing Skills — safe climbing and equipment use (15 cr)

• Tree Identification & Pruning — tree biology, pruning practice (10 cr)

• Ground Duties & Equipment — machinery, tools, site work (10 cr)

• Tree Planting — planting and establishment of trees (10 cr)

• Supervisory Skills — instructing and supervising team members (10 cr)

• Tree Climbing Technique — advanced safe climbing and aerial rescue (15 cr)

• Pruning Techniques — advanced pruning and chainsaw use at height (10 cr)

• Tree Health Assessment — identifying pests, diseases and disorders (10 cr)

• Tree Felling — ground-based tree removal techniques (15 cr)

• Sectional Felling — dismantling trees with and without rigging (15 cr)

 

Programme Highlights

• Hands-on learning: Emphasis on real tree work, climbing and safety.
• Industry experience: Four weeks of structured work placement connects you with arboriculture employers.
• Dual qualification: You graduate with both Level 3 & Level 4 certificates, giving broader recognition.
• Field-based training: Skills are taught both in classroom and outdoors.

 

Career Outcomes

This qualification prepares you for roles such as:

• Arborist / Tree Surgeon

• Tree Climber / Maintainer

• Ground Person or Grounds Technician

• Urban Forestry Assistant / Parks & Gardens Technician

• Self-employment or consultancy in tree care with increased experience

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study on-campus full-time, international students need a New Zealand Student Visa. You’ll generally need:

• Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
• Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs
• Valid passport and certified academic transcripts
• English proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS)
• Health and travel insurance