Farming and horticulture factsheet

The Department of Corrections offers trade training and qualifications in the primary sector in twelve of our prisons throughout New Zealand.

Farming

The Department of Corrections has a number of farms across the country where a variety of activities concerned with the growing of crops, caring for livestock and other farming duties including fencing and general maintenance are carried out.

Farming is offered at:

  • Spring Hill Corrections Facility - Dairy
  • Waikeria Prison - Dairy
  • Tongariro Prison - Drystock
  • Manawatu Prison - Dairy
  • Christchurch Men’s Prison - Pig Farm, Drystock
  • Otago Corrections Facility - Dairy

Horticulture

There are a number of nurseries and training operations across the country where horticulture skills can be learnt.

Horticulture is offered at:

  • Northland Region Corrections Facility
  • Auckland Prison
  • Auckland Region Women’s
  • Corrections Facility
  • Spring Hill Corrections Facility
  • Waikeria Prison
  • Tongariro Prison
  • Whanganui Prison
  • Christchurch Men’s Prison
  • Christchurch Women’s Prison
  • Rolleston Prison
  • Otago Corrections Facility

Apiculture

There are a number of sites across the country where training in apiculture is delivered.

Forestry/Silviculture

Forestry/Silviculture is offered at:

  • Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
  • Rimutaka Prison
  • Invercargill Prison

We offer a range of on the job training, training courses and hands on experience including:

  • Nursery and organic market gardens
  • Internal and external grounds maintenance crews and contract work parties
  • Sheep, dairy, pig and dry stock farming and associated duties
  • Forestry crews
  • Forklift operations

We offer the following qualifications:

  • National Certificate in Horticulture
  • National Certificate in Agriculture
  • National Certificate in Forestry
  • National Certificate in Pork Production
  • Growsafe Certificate
  • Certificate in Forklift Operations

We also partner with accredited tertiary institutions to deliver quality training to prisoners.