Franklin Institute of Agri-technology (FIAT) offers the following qualifications: NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION Level 4 (ONE-YEAR), and NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION L 5 (ONE-YEAR and TWO YEAR format). The one-year qualification is suitable for on-shore international students who want to change their career path. The two-year qualification is suitable for new international students. Both qualifications are suitable for domestic students. These programmes are approved by and accredited to NZQA (New Zealand Qualification Authority) and are delivered in commercial production environment. For further information or applying for study, please send us an email at enquiry@fiat.ac.nz or text to 027 278 2789.

FIAT is located at 760, Glenbrook Road in Franklin District of South Auckland which is the main vegetable producing area of NZ. As a part of the Rupex group, it has access to the on-site facilities: 8600 Square meters of greenhouses, different irrigation and nutrient injection systems, adequate farm and support buildings housed on a piece of 24 acres of prime agricultural land. These facilities have been used for growing nursery plants ( Outdoor vegetable, Greenhouse crops, Native plants, Herbs and summer crops). We have been servicing the 'Greens supply chain' successfully for the last 20 years. Staff have higher degrees and experience in horticulture: Raj Saini M.Sc.and Ph.D and Gagandeep Jain M.Sc.and Ph.D. from Victoria Uni, Wellington. In addition, we have several qualified/experienced staff to call upon. Also, we have tie up arrangements with guest experts who can pass on valuable skills to the students.

FIAT has close ties with the horticultural industry and is well equipped to facilitate student placements ( Internship, part time work, full time jobs) very effectively. So far all the current and graduated students are working in relevant jobs horticulture industry. International students to check up their work rights they should please see: www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas . We as a group, are member of several professional bodies like Horticulture NZ, international Plant propagation Society, Royal Society of NZ,etc. We participate regularly in industry meetings, field days and other professional activities. Various reports suggest that there is an acute shortage of horticulture staff.IN FACT, JOBS ARE WAITING FOR TRAINED HORTICULTURE STAFF. JOB LINKS: www.agcareers.com , http://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs( Horticulture), nz.jora.com/Horticulture-jobs, worktheseasons.co.nz

New Zealand truly is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. A small island nation of just over 4.5 million people, is ranked very high in safety & security, honesty, and other socio-political values. Horticulture ( Crop production) is one of the highly regarded and rewarding professions in the country. If you have knack for practical work, this line is for you to choose and build your bright career in this line.