Know Us Better

About FIAT

Welcome to Franklin Institute of Agri-Technology

We are proud to introduce the Franklin Institute of Agri-Technology (FIAT) which has been set up in the main vegetable growing area of South Auckland in New Zealand. It is located at a drivable distance from the central city, airport and other major facilities making accessibility to all amenities very easy. The regional centre is based in outskirts of Tauranga, the main Kiwifruit production area of New Zealand.

From the various studies conducted in the country and our personal experience in the industry for about 20 years, we have observed that there is an acute shortage of skilled workforce in the horticultural industry which is projected to become very serious in the future. The availability of well-trained staff has been identified as an important enabler for future expansion of the horticultural sector.  Keeping in view this situation, FIAT has started training programmes in horticulture production leading to the ‘New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Level 4’ and the ‘New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production Level 5’. Our programmes are approved and accredited by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), approved by the Tertiary Education Commission for funding domestic students and listed by Immigration New Zealand for the issuing of visas for international students. Horticulture Production is listed by Immigration New Zealand as being in the short skills category for all regions of the country. The programmes are delivered on production sites with ample greenhouses, farm and support buildings housed on 25 acres of prime agricultural land in Auckland and an additional 5 – 6 acres of land in Tauranga. 

Our broad vision is to provide relevant academic and practical training in the area of modern horticultural practices. This will address the needs of field production on the one hand and address the sensitivities of quality, safety and traceability throughout the ‘Greens supply chain’ on the other hand.  With the scientific knowledge and modern skills acquired through these programmes, students have been able to take up positions in different aspects and levels of horticultural industry and service the supply chain effectively.

FIAT operates as part of the Rupex group- which has been operating successfully in horticulture production for more than 20 years. We look forward to you joining our group and sharing with us your struggles and successes. As a member of our Institute, we will endeavour to provide you our complete support to help you achieve your goals of successful learning and preparation for a strong, prosperous and satisfying career in the horticulture industry. As a group we will be happy to provide you the necessary guidance for adapting to the life and building your bright future in New Zealand.

RAJ SAINI   PhD (Crop Sciences) 
Director/Managing  Mob 027 278 2789
Office +64-9 236 37 38 | WhatsApp +64 27 278 2789 
Franklin Institute of Agri-Technology | Rupex Growtech Ltd
horticareers@gmail.com                    rupexnz@outlook.com 
www.fiat.ac.nz                                      www.rupex.nz
760-Glenbrook Road, RD 4, Pukekohe, Auckland 2679 

Our Vision

Our broad vision is to provide relevant academic and practical training in the area of horticultural production to fulfil the needs of the horticultural industry.

Our Mission

Our aim is to teach students in such a manner that they are ready to take positions in the industry with minimal on-job training as operational personnel.

Our Objectives

To provide complete and utter support to help students achieve their goals of successful learning. We strive to prepare our students for a strong and prosperous and satisfying career in the horticulture industry.

Accreditations

  • NZQA in 2016 gave accreditation to FIAT to deliver and assess teaching/training programme in Horticulture production for National Certificate in Horticulture level 4 Advanced.
  • NZQA in July 2017 gave FIAT accreditation to offer ‘NZ Certificate in Horticulture Production L 4’ and ‘NZ Diploma in Horticulture Production L 5’ which were implemented from 2018-19.
  • NZQA conducted EER in early 2018 and again in Feb 2022. FIAT was given Category II ( Confident in educational performance and Confident in capability of dself-assessment)
  • FIAT is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
  • NZQA conducted consistency reviews for Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications, and we were accorded ‘Sufficient’ status. FIAT is the only PTE included in this review and achieved the same level of outcome as all others which are Government-funded Institutes of Technology.
  • NZQA approved new vesions of NZ Ceretificate in Horticuture Production L 4 and NZ Diploma in Horticuture Production L 5 in Jan 2023, which indicates our continuous engagement with peak bodies.

Memberships

  • Professional Member Royal Society of New Zealand
  • Member International Horticultural Society
  • Member NZ Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture Sciences
  • Member International Plant Propagation Society (IPPS)
  • Member of NZ Plant Producers society Inc. (NZPPI)
  • Member India NZ Business council
  • Member of Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ)
  • Rupex, our sister company is Associate member of ‘Horticulture New Zealand’ which is the apex body for Horticulture indusyty in New Zealand

Powerful Alumni

Campus on a tour designed for prospective graduate and professional students. You will see how our university like, facilities, studenst and life in this university. Meet our graduate admissions representative to learn more about our graduate programs and decide what it the best for you.