Mō te tūnga | About the role
Pukeiti is a horticultural oasis set in a rainforest and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s foremost public gardens. It’s noted for its rhododendron collection and is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally. It is now managed and cared for on behalf of the people of Taranaki by the Taranaki Regional Council.
As an apprentice at Pukeiti, you will work alongside our gardening team to further your knowledge as you work towards your Level 4 Amenity Horticulture qualification. You will be undertaking and learning general garden maintenance and assisting in the continued development of Pukeiti. The role will also help with our events and venues programmes.
You will be based at Pukeiti and also work with the wider Taranaki Regional Council’s gardening team at Hollard Gardens and Tūpare as required. This position is full time working from Monday through Friday, with the occasional weekend day required to assist at workshops and garden festivities.
This role is fixed term for a period of 3 years.
Further details on the role can be found below on Job Description link, or for any other questions please contact our People and Wellness team on recruitment@trc.govt.nz.
Job Description - Apprentice Gardener
Mōu | About you
You will bring your positive team spirit, a passion to learn and a confident customer focus to the team. At Pukeiti you will enjoy working in a small team and taking an innovative approach to your tasks when working alone.
Initiative and self-motivation is required, together with a good level of fitness and an ability to do some heavy lifting.
We like to set people up for success, so you'll be a leading applicant if you have:
- A Level 2 NCEA qualification or working towards gaining an amenity horticulture or public gardening qualification is required.
- Have a passion for horticulture and a desire to extend this through studying for Level 4 Amenity Horticulture.
- Experience in plant knowledge and care.
- Practical experience in garden maintenance.
- A willingness to learn to operate and maintain a range of powered hand tools and machinery.
- A drivers licence.
- A basic knowledge of gardens, trees and plants.
- A willingness to learn how to confidently communicate with the public
Mō mātou | About us
Our people love working here because we are an enthusiastic team, with a diverse range of skills and experience, who are all rowing in the same direction. We are all passionate about making a positive difference for our community, both now and for our future generations. What drives us is making Taranaki the best place in Aotearoa, New Zealand to live, play and do business!
Our main office is based right in the centre of the region, right under our maunga (mountain), in Stratford. Living and working here means you have all the big city benefits, along with a rural lifestyle, and quick access to the sea, and breathtaking country.
Whakatakanga & Whanonga pono | Mission & Values
Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region’s best interests.
We are committed to providing a service first approach to the public and regional community, and in doing so aim to continue to better the quality of our performance while working safely, sustaining effective communication and teamwork, having the initiative and right to make mistakes, holding accountability for improvement, being results-driven, and holding high job satisfaction.
Watch the video above to find out more about Taranaki Regional Council's kaupapa, culture and the impact of our mahi.
What’s on offer?
Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great culture.
- Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement
- Active social club
- Flexible working options
- Induction programmes for every new employee
- Free car parking
- Training opportunities within each role
However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.
Interested? Here's How to Apply
Click on the ‘apply’ button, fill out your application form and add your CV and cover letter.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Taranaki Regional Council is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace based on different experiences, world views and a desire to learn. So, if you’re excited about this role, but don’t meet the criteria perfectly, we encourage you to reach out anyway. You might be just who we’re looking for.
Applications close 13 April 2026, however we reserve the right to close this vacancy when we have received sufficient, suitable applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
