Permaculture in New Zealand

Diploma in Permaculture

Table of Contents

The Diploma in Permaculture Design (New Zealand) is the next step after completing a PDC. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the growing permaculture knowledge base in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Your diploma project strengthens your design skills, challenges assumptions, and explores improved or innovative approaches to permaculture systems. Projects can span all areas represented in the Holmgren Flower, allowing you to focus on your passions.

Holmgren’s Permaculture Flower: seven interconnected domains of permaculture design.

Diploma Basics

The Diploma is an advanced, research-based qualification formally recognised by Permaculture in New Zealand (PiNZ). It acknowledges the work of permaculture practitioners in Aotearoa/New Zealand and related contributions from elsewhere.

Our Diploma in Permaculture is a private PINZ qualification/credential and is not an NZQA-approved or NZQCF-listed qualification.

The programme:

  • Runs as a self-directed project (equivalent to ~2 years full-time work)

  • Applies permaculture knowledge to a specific context

  • Focuses on research, testing assumptions, or developing innovative solutions

  • Candidates are supported by a mentor and must document their process and outcomes.

  • Six-monthly progress reports will be sent to the PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) for approval.

  • The final project will be assessed by the PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) and, once passed.

  • Once completed, candidates present their work at the National Permaculture Hui, where they are formally awarded the Diploma Certificate.

Diploma Aims

The Diploma aims to:

  • Formally recognise permaculture work in Aotearoa/New Zealand

  • Encourage original research and design

  • Strengthen the permaculture community

  • Create publicly available documentation

  • Support PDC graduates to apply permaculture through a structured process

Why Research Matters

Research and testing assumptions are essential to strong permaculture design. This process:

  • Improves accuracy and reduces errors

  • Validates ideas through real-world evidence

  • Identifies risks early

  • Generates new insights and innovative solutions

Diploma Eligibility

Anyone with a PDC can undertake a Diploma. Only work completed after gaining a PDC is eligible. The Diploma reflects approximately two years of full-time effort, though quality of process and outcomes is most important.

Diploma Process

The process includes:

  1. Developing a proposal
  2. Finding a mentor
  3. Submission of proposal to PiNZ website (pay fee)
  4. Review by the Permaculture Education Group (PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC)) – inform PiNZ committee
  5. Self-directed project work with regular mentor guidance
  6. Annual progress report to PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) throughout project
  7. Final Submission
  8. Final review and approval by PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC)
  9. Formal presentation to PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) or at the annual permaculture hui
  10. Documentation of outcomes for public access on PiNZ website.

Acceptance of Proposal

Candidates select a mentor and develop a short proposal (1–2 pages). This is reviewed by PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) for feedback and support.

The Diploma must:

  • Explore permaculture ethics and principles

  • Include publicly accessible documentation

  • Be suitable for sharing via the PiNZ website

Review of Proposal

Review by PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) / PiNZ focuses on:

  • Alignment with permaculture principles

  • Contribution to design, research, and new practice

  • Relevance to the candidate’s work and interests

Diploma Review

Candidates must submit annual progress reports signed by their mentor.

Final review considers:

  • The approved proposal

  • The overall process and application of permaculture principles

  • Documentation quality and accessibility

Review focuses on process and application, not specific design outcomes, though content may be considered to maintain programme integrity.

Diploma Presentation

After approval, candidates present their work at a PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) meeting (often at the annual PiNZ Hui).

Presentations:

  • May use various formats and media

  • Can be delivered online if needed

  • Should clearly communicate outcomes and learning

  • All work must be accessible via the PiNZ website.

Diploma Awarding

The Diploma is awarded by PiNZ following the PiNZ Education & Practice Committee (PEPC) and recommendation presentation.

Certificates are signed by a PiNZ chair/member and mentor(s)

A small administration fee applies to cover printing and postage in case of not attending the Hui (updated annually on the website)

Diploma Research Proposal (application form) - Under development

Online applications and payments are not available yet. See education contacts and fees for enquiries.

List of past Diploma awards

Details to come. Contact PiNZ with an enquiry.

Diploma projects and past awards · Find out about mentoring · Contacts and fees