FIELD                        AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

 

Review of Horticulture qualifications

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Introductory) (Level 2) [Ref: 1013]

National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) with optional strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1014]

National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1015]

 

The New Zealand Horticulture Industry Training Organisation (NZHITO) has reviewed the qualifications listed above that were registered in May 2003.

 

Date new versions published                        March 2005

 

The review of these qualifications is planned to take place in 2007.

 

Reason for the review

 

NZHITO, in conjunction with the floristry industry advisory group, recently reviewed the unit standards in the Floristry domain; and identified the floristry industry as a unique sector of horticulture.  The floristry sector requires a customised suite of qualifications that meet the needs of their industry.  As a result, the Floristry strands have been removed from the level 4 qualifications, and new Floristry qualifications registered as detailed below.

 

As a result of working closely with Lincoln University and Massey University, the NZHITO has included credit transfer arrangements in the two level 4 qualifications.

 

During the review of the Production Horticulture unit standards, stakeholders identified a need to add a Production Horticulture strand to the National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1015].  This enables people who have achieved option (a) A general horticulture qualification of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) with optional strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1014], an opportunity to continue training.

 

Main changes resulting from the revision

 

New qualifications registered:

 

·        National Certificate in Floristry (Level 2) [Ref: 1150]

 

·        National Certificate in Floristry (Level 4) with an optional Advanced strand [Ref: 1151]

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Introductory) (Level 2) [Ref: 1013]

 

Changes to structure and content

·      Removal of the Floristry domain from the Horticulture Elective

·      Adjustments to the purpose and wording for requirements for award of the qualification.

 

Transition

 

The development of the National Certificate in Floristry (Level 2) [Ref: 1150], and the National Certificate in Floristry (Level 4) with an optional Advanced strand [Ref: 1151], provide options for those wishing to specialise in Floristry.

 

Trainees may choose to complete version 1, transfer to version 2, or to the level 2 floristry qualification.

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) with optional strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1014]

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) with optional strands in Amenity Horticulture, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1014]

 

Changes to structure and content

·      Removal of the Floristry strand

·      Addition of credit transfer arrangements, and application form

·      Adjustments to the purpose and wording for requirements for award of the qualification.

 

Transition

 

This qualification was registered in May 2003, and as yet, no providers are offering the floristry strand, therefore no student will be disadvantaged.

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Floristry, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1015]

 

National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Organic Horticulture, Production Horticulture, and Viticulture [Ref: 1015]

 

Changes to structure and content

·      Removal of the Floristry strand

·      Addition of the Production Horticulture strand

·      Addition of credit transfer arrangements, and application form

·      Adjustments to the purpose and wording for requirements for award of the qualification.

 

Transition

 

This qualification was registered in May 2003, and as yet, no providers are offering the floristry strand, therefore no student will be disadvantaged.

 

Appeals

 

NZHITO intends that no existing candidate be disadvantaged by changes to these qualifications.  Any person who feels that they have been disadvantaged by these transition arrangements should contact:

 

New Zealand Horticulture Industry Training Organisation

PO Box 8638

RICCARTON

Christchurch

 

Telephone:            03 964 4735

Facsimile:            03 964 4737