Otago Polytechnic Arboriculture

🌿 Thank You to everyone who donated and supported the Sempervirens Trust Silent Auction during the ISA Conference! We raised over $7K 🌿

Your generosity helps provide opportunities for children whose lives have been affected by the loss or disablement of a parent — supporting education and experiences that enrich their futures.

A special thank you to Husqvarna NZ for donating the T542i XP® Chainsaw, 40-B220X 36V Battery & QC500 Fast Charger, and to Lisa & Karl from Arborlab Consultancy Services Limited for their incredibly generous winning bid — and for going one step further by gifting the Husqvarna chainsaw to Otago Polytechnic.

What an amazing, giving community we have within NZARB — your support truly makes a lasting impact. 💚

from Canada in his post ITCC travels helping me out with aerial rescue assessments by being our casualty. Very dedicated to role 😂 thanks Phil, really appreciate your help!

On the 4th of August, our ākonga (Learners) worked hard to make our Dunedin city even more beautiful and green in several locations.
One morning there was hard frost but deciduous trees planted will wake up in spring happy to have their feet on the ground.
We had some great variety of species suited for the locations including two ginkgo trees grown form seeds of the tree known as hibakujumoku or "survivor trees" of the Hiroshima bombing in Japan which made it extra special.
A successful collaborative planting project, big thanks to Elena O'Neil, and the Dunedin District Council.
And big shout for our 2025 Arborist class and their awesome effort in learning and planting more trees!

Today our ākonga had the experience of learning how to make rope from tī kōuka/cabbage tree and harakeke/flax. Kari Morseth came in to show them the ropes. Some students also helped contribute to the 300m long harakeke rope that Kari is constructing as part of her Master of Fine Arts project. We then used a load cell to test the breaking strain some of the tī kōuka ropes. Averaging out around 100kg

Fun times in the Clutha District!

I love our new workshop! It’s where the magic happens. Thank you Otago Polytechnic Arboriculture and special thanks to Joe Nunn

New rope display for new learners in the making 😉

Practicing aerial rescue with arborist students and the team at The Valley Arborists. In this industry, knowing how to look after your teammates can be the difference between a close call and a crisis. Proud to see these future arborists building the skills and confidence to have each other’s backs!

Want to branch out and try something different? Go out on a limb and apply for 2026 arboriculture programme here at Otago Polytechnic.

First day of climbing! Three knot system all day!!
But not everyday 😂

Congratulations to our 2024 Student of the Year, Andre Aslund!

Andre traveled all the way from the stunning Bay of Islands to pursue his passion for arboriculture, and his hard work and dedication have truly paid off. As he prepares to head back home, he’s excited to put his skills to work and grow his career in the tree care industry.

Wishing Andre all the best as he starts this next chapter.