How to become a florist in New Zealand

Why become a florist?

If you're creative and enjoy being hands on, then becoming a florist may be a good career choice.

Florists sell plants and fresh flowers and use them to design and create floral arrangements. As a florist you may be employed to make floral arrangements for customers to purchase in store or made to order. Some florists specialise in wedding and event floristry, which requires larger and bespoke arrangements in a numerous setting.

As a florist you will need to know about proper care and use of plants and flowers, which seasons they are available and to listen to customers to interpret their requests creatively.

While many florist are employed by floristry stores, some go on to own their own companies.

Alternative job titles

Floral Designer
Flower Arranger/Seller

Getting Started

Understanding the best way to become a qualified florist in New Zealand looks complicated but is easy. Here are the steps you need to take to start your career as a florist.

Step 1

Choose and enrol with a registered training provider

Step 2

Complete in a level 3 certificate program

Step 3

Progress to level 4 certificate program

Quick Facts

 

Average Pay

$45 - $59k annually

 

Length in training

40-45 weeks

 

Available Jobs

8*

*TradeMe Jobs, April 2022

Florists need to be:

• Creative and artistic, with a good eye for colour, texture and detail

• Confident and good at communicating

• Adaptable

• Skilled at planning and organising.

Careers and Industries (you will work in)

• Florist shops

• Supermarkets

• Nursery retail centres

• Flower wholesalers

• Floricultural (ornamental flower farming) businesses.