Core elements

The New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 3) programme provides learning experiences that enable students to develop the core knowledge, skills and personal attributes needed to gain employment in entry level positions in the New Zealand artistic carving industry.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Understand the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi for hard stone and jade carving in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Develop an understanding of the geology and properties of different stones and how they react to processing
• Demonstrate an understanding of design principles, creative processes and techniques. Then applying this understanding to carving hard stone and jade to a set brief.
• Collaborate with other students, select and present pieces created in the context of course learnings

Further study options

Hard Stone and Jade Carving - New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

Career opportunities

The overall aim of the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 3) programme is to provide learning experiences that enable students to develop the core knowledge, skills and personal attributes sought by employers and required for basic entry level positions.

Your workload

The programme balances classroom-based theory with a range of practical learning contexts to assist students to achieve the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Levels 3). 

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• NCEA Level 2 credits in English and Mathematics.
• Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 or above.

Special notes:

• Special Entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme.

Advice to applicants:

• Candidates must possess the physical capacity to engage in the practical carving components of the programme.
• Diagnostic literacy testing may be conducted to identify applicants requiring support.  Students identified as requiring support /assistance in coping with tertiary level study will be supported by the polytechnic Student Support Services.

2024 enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.