New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5) (Winegrowing)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Marlborough:

Flexi start dates 2025: 20 January, 28 April, 21 July, 13 October

Online:

Flexi start dates 2025: 20 January, 28 April, 21 July, 13 October
Study options

Part time
Length

Part time: 1 day per fortnight in class plus online tutorials - duration 2 years.
Total credits

120
Fees

2025: $896 plus $33 Student Services Levy per course

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ2666

Build and acknowledge your skills as a winegrower with this programme designed to empower you as a leader with a keen eye for sustainable wine-growing operations.

Study while you work anywhere nationwide. Connect with your fellow learners and integrate practical, work-based components into your day-to-day work with expert tutor support. You can also connect with industry partners on-campus during courses and throughout your studies.

Our programme can take you to the next level as a winegrower, whether you have significant operational experience in the viticulture industry or transferrable skills in horticulture production operations.

It is also ideal for:

Lifestyle block owners with vineyards
Independent vineyard owners
Winery workers seeking to upskill their viticulture knowledge, for example, to better understand the close connection between winegrowing and winemaking

Much of the programme (150 hours) will be delivered through your workplace with support from your tutor/Primary ITO, allowing you to integrate the practical and work-based components in your day-to-day work, combined with on-campus block courses.

You will learn leadership and relationship management skills that you can apply to how you work with team members or manage a team.

Upon graduating, you will also be able to contribute to your workplace with the following specialist skills and knowledge:

Planning and managing efficient, effective, and sustainable wine-growing operations
Planning and executing a sustainable wine grape protection programme to achieve grape quality specifications
To achieve a desirable wine quality, you will also build sustainable wine-growing techniques

Want to continue developing your skills? We recommend progressing to the New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industries Business Management(external link).

Programme delivery

This programme is only available part-time for those currently working in the industry. Each course is delivered every second year.

To be awarded the New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Wine Growing), learners need to successfully complete six compulsory courses and one of the two elective courses.

Compulsory courses

Leadership in the Vineyard (HPW501)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
60	0	2025

Wine Grape Development and Quality (HPW502)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
60	0	2024

Weather and Wine Grape Protection (HPW503)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
60	0	2025

Vineyard Soils, Water and Nutrition Management (HPW504)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
60	0	2025

Vineyard Crop Protection (HPW505)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
60	0	2025

Vineyard Planning and Management (HPW506)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
120	0	2024

Elective courses

Industry Practice - Vineyard (HPW507)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
20	100	2024

Providing a unique learning experience, this course dovetails teaching hours with vineyard, environmental, and seasonal conditions, providing real-world examples to reinforce classroom-based learning.

You will learn alongside students studying the course's Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking level, offering you a larger team of winegrowing enthusiasts to connect with.

Regular class scheduling may vary throughout the semester to take advantage of seasonal conditions and will consider any expectations your workplace may require while ensuring you receive a comprehensive education that is practical and applicable to the real world.

Viticulture Research Topic (HPW508)

Teaching hours	Workplace hours	Delivery year
20	100	N/A

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production at Level 4 or equivalent academic achievement.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant's first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart(external link).

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills. Refer to the English Proficiency Outcomes Chart(external link).

Other application requirements

Applicants will need to be in current employment in this industry in New Zealand and be able to attend the on-campus block courses in Marlborough. If you are already a full-time student in the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking programme, you may be able to study a course/s as an elective.

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