Horticulture
Our horticulture industries are leading the world in growing quality, fresh produce and nurturing and enhancing the environment we live in.
Horticulture production is a $5 billion export industry experiencing exceptional growth and career opportunities are plentiful and highly valued.
New Zealand's internationally recognised sports arenas, golf courses and open spaces attract thousands of international visitors to our country every year.
Innovation, new technologies and sustainable practices are propelling businesses forward – but it will always be people with knowledge and energy who make the biggest impacts.
Production
Our horticulture industry produces high quality, fresh, healthy food for New Zealand and the world – and demand is on the rise. We’re on the front foot to meet changing consumer tastes and demands, innovating at every step to produce more food, with a proud provenance, using strict sustainability practices. It’s a growing, diverse industry undergoing rapid change – an exciting business to be a part of.
Services
All over New Zealand we have impressive private and public spaces that need imagining, planning, creating and maintaining. Horticulture Services offer a hands-on way to lift community well being, help Kiwis and tourists alike enjoy fun and recreation in beautiful surroundings and to care for the environment in a sustainable way.
See what exciting careers horticulture can offer
Opportunities in amenity
Most Kiwi teens wouldn’t have a clue what amenity horticulture involves – but Pippa Lucas is determined to reach out through social media and show young people the exciting opportunities that exist.
The 26 year-old’s own whirlwind career has already taken her to the United States on a nine month internship and seen her attend several glitzy award ceremonies.
She now has $6500 to put towards a travel and a study scholarship, and a further $6000 in prizemoney after her recent success at the Young Horticulturist of the Year Awards.
Helping Grow The Next Generation Of Gardeners
Viticulturalist on the rise
“Take every opportunity you can” is the motto Daniel Warman lives by.
That belief, along with the 27 year-old’s endless enthusiasm, will likely see him continue to rise through the ranks of Marlborough’s viticulture industry.
He was recently promoted to block manager at Castle Cliffs vineyard and is now responsible for running the 150ha property on behalf of owner Constellation Brands. He oversees four fulltime staff and 10 RSE workers during peak times and is loving the new challenge.
“I’m enjoying the responsibility of making sure everything happens on time and the staff have everything they need. I didn’t expect a promotion quite so soon but the position became available and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to apply. Turns out I was the most qualified for the job.”
His new role is a far cry from where he was just three years ago.
Primary ITO Study Helps Daniel Fast-Track His Career
At the top of her game
Sami Baker clearly remembers driving past a crew of arborists in Christchurch years ago who were dangling from trees holding chainsaws and thinking ‘that would be a dream job’.
Fast forward several years, and the 26 year-old is now the one dangling from great heights – most recently above an earthquake-ravaged SH2 near Kaikoura.
Sami Climbs to the Top of her Game