Permaculture in New Zealand

Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC)

Table of Contents

What is a Permaculture Design Course (PDC)?

The Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is the internationally recognised foundation qualification in permaculture. Based on the syllabus developed by Bill Mollison, all PDCs cover the same 12 core principles while reflecting the tutor’s expertise and local environment. A minimum of 72 hours of tuition is required to achieve certification.

For international recognition, we recommend choosing a PiNZ-approved course, which provides a certificate endorsed by the Permaculture in New Zealand Institute (PiNZ).

PDC Study Options

Residential PDC
 An intensive two-week immersive course, often held on a permaculture property. Learn alongside a small group of students in a hands-on environment that fosters deep learning and lasting connections.

Modular PDC
 Ideal for busy schedules, this format delivers the full PDC curriculum through weekly or monthly sessions. It allows time for practical application, reflection, and project work between modules.

Farm Internship PDC
 A six to ten-week residential experience on a working permaculture farm. Students combine formal learning with hands-on farm activities, gaining practical skills through full immersion.

Distance Learning PDC
 Study permaculture remotely at your own pace. While practical components are more limited, this option provides flexibility for those unable to attend in person. New Zealand-based PiNZ-accredited correspondence courses are available.

Whether you choose residential, modular, internship, or online study, each pathway leads to the same internationally recognised PDC qualification.

What you will be studying - PDC Content/Curriculum for New Zealand

What You'll Learn

Our Permaculture Design Course covers the essential principles, systems, and practical skills needed to create resilient homes, gardens, communities, and livelihoods.

Foundations of Permaculture

  • Ethics

  • Principles

  • Design Process

  • Observation

  • Site Analysis, Sectors & Zones

  • Patterns – Understanding How Nature Works

Design Thinking & Problem Solving

  • What Is? / What If?

  • Problem Identification & Analysis

  • Generating and Refining Ideas

  • Implementation & Evaluation

  • Adaptive Design & Continuous Improvement

Understanding Natural Systems

  • Climate & Microclimates

  • Ecology

    • Soil

    • Water

    • Air

    • Animals

    • Habitats

    • Trees

  • Strategies, Techniques & Tools

Sustainable Living & the Built Environment

  • Built Environment Design

  • Appropriate Technology

  • Waste as a Resource

  • Cradle to Cradle Thinking

  • Food Systems

People, Community & Governance

  • Social Permaculture

  • Community Building

  • Decision Making

  • Invisible Structures

  • Economics

  • Legal Structures

  • Livelihoods

Design Project

Put your learning into practice by completing a 20-hour (minimum) comprehensive permaculture design project, integrating the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course. This will be presented to colleagues and tutors at the end of the course.

From ethics and ecology to food systems, community resilience, and regenerative design, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to create positive change wherever you live. 🌿

Current PDCs

Details to come. Contact PiNZ with an enquiry.

Events and course listings are coming later. Read about PiNZ affiliated teachers.