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Florist

Kaihoko Putiputi

Florists sell plants and fresh flowers and use them to design and create floral arrangements.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a florist. However, business studies, painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for florists includes:

  • work that involves customer service or handling money
  • window-dressing work
  • work in plant nurseries.

What you will do

Florists may do some or all of the following:

  • design and create fresh flower arrangements
  • buy flowers, plants and decorations from sales representatives
  • keep plants and flowers fresh and healthy
  • help people choose plants and flower arrangements
  • arrange delivery of flowers
  • keep records and accounts
  • attend markets and auctions and bid for flowers.

Skills and knowledge

Florists need to have knowledge of:

  • flowers and plants
  • trends in floristry
  • how to care for and arrange cut flowers
  • ordering procedures
  • sales and basic business skills
  • occupational health and safety procedures.
Pay

Florists with less than three years' experience usually earn

$23-$24

per hour

Senior florists with three or more years' experience usually earn

$25-$28

per hour

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a florist are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience or a qualification.

Industry

Retail

Florists sell plants and fresh flowers and use them to design and create floral arrangements.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a florist as you gain skills on the job. 

However, most employers prefer you to complete a qualification such as a New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 2, 3 or 4).

Chances of getting a job

Chances better with experience or a qualification

Chances of getting a job as a florist are best for those with at least three years' experience and a floristry qualification.

Employers prefer to hire new florists who have basic skills and knowledge in floristry.

According to the Census, 1,410 florists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Florists may work for:

  • florist shops
  • supermarkets
  • nursery retail centres
  • flower wholesalers
  • floricultural (ornamental flower farming) businesses.

Florists can also run their own business, work from home, or set up their own online delivery business.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Professional Florists
secretary@nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz - www.nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz

Progression and specialisations

Florists may progress to set up their own floristry business, or move into management roles.

Working conditions

Florists:

  • work regular business hours, but may also start early or work evenings and weekends
  • mainly work in shops and retail outlets
  • may work in cold conditions
  • may have to travel to make deliveries, purchase flowers, or prepare arrangements.

Physical Requirements

Florists need to:

  • be reasonably fit
  • have good hand-eye co-ordination
  • not be allergic to pollen or flowers.

Useful personal qualities

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.

Industry

Retail

Florists sell plants and fresh flowers and use them to design and create floral arrangements.

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