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Applications for all HortNZ scholarships are now closed. Keep an eye out here or on our social channels for when they re-open for applications.

Leadership Programme Scholarships

Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme

Horticulture is growing together with ambitious goals such as doubling the farmgate value of production in a way that improves the prosperity for our people and protects our environment.

Our operating environment is more complex and unpredictable than ever before. More than ever, we need a strong pool of high performing leaders that have the confidence and skills to take our industry into the future. This programme will help prepare you or your employee to successfully capture the opportunities and address the challenges that this growth offers.

Participants will join the ranks of more than 300 graduates since 2002 to develop their leadership knowledge and skills in this popular and highly respected programme that is well supported by industry leaders. It is horticulture specific, pragmatic, and involves the best training, by a credible provider, in a friendly learning environment.

The programme is designed for potential and current leaders in the fruit and vegetable industry. Participants will primarily, but not exclusively, be growers or their employees or from organisations closely associated with growing. The programme is open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who have demonstrated leadership or leadership potential and a willingness to assume responsibility in grower or industry matters.

The programme is limited to a maximum number of participants. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications that meet the selection criteria will be approved on a first-come first-served basis until the programme has reached capacity. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to re-apply for entry into subsequent courses.

 

Register your interest for 2026

 

If you have any questions, please contact programmes@ruralleaders.co.nz.

 

2026 costs will be notified soon.

The programme is designed for potential and current leaders in the fruit and vegetable industry. Participants will primarily, but not exclusively, be growers or their employees or from organisations closely associated with growing.


The programme is aimed all age groups.

 

The 2026 programme dates will be notified soon.


The programme is in run in two phases over nine weeks starting in August:

  • Phase one: five days (in Auckland)
  • Phase two: three days (in Wellington)
  • Personal leadership plan - six weeks over the programme

At the end of the programme you will have:

  • An increased confidence to take the lead and influence into the future
  • A greater understanding of what leadership is really all about
  • "Ready to use" leadership and business skills, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving
  • A wider perspective, understanding of and how to address industry issues-now and into the future
  • Gained an awareness of strategy, and how to use it
  • Self-knowledge and your own personal plan to go forward
  • Had the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other like-minded emerging and current influential leaders.

Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships

Every year Horticulture New Zealand and the Horticentre Trust offer scholarships to students who have a special interest in the fruit and/or vegetable industry and are studying towards an undergraduate degree.

Horticulture New Zealand scholarships

The Horticulture New Zealand scholarship allows successful applicants to attend the 2027 Horticulture Conference.

At the conference, successful applicants will hear from renowned leaders and experts from within the horticulture industry, attend workshops, and have the opportunity to network with growers and industry representatives. The value covers the costs of flights, accommodation and conference registration.

Scholarships are awarded to applicants from each of New Zealand's growing regions (one applicant from each region will be selected) as follows:

  • Northland
  • Auckland/Waikato 
  • Bay of Plenty 
  • Tairawhiti Gisborne 
  • Hawke’s Bay 
  • Lower North Island 
  • Tasman (including Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast) 
  • Canterbury 
  • Otago and Southland 

The remaining Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships will be awarded nationally.

Horticentre Trust Undergraduate Scholarship

The Horticentre Trust Undergraduate Scholarship will be awarded to the top five applicants.

This scholarship allows successful applicants to attend the 2027 Horticulture Conference (covering the costs of flights, accommodation and conference registration) plus a cash value to support the successful applicant with their studies.

Any questions regarding these scholarships should be sent to schols@hortnz.co.nz.

Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarship information

 

  • Applicants must be a tertiary student studying towards an undergraduate degree in any discipline.
  • Applicants must be a New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
  • For regional scholarships the applicant must have completed three years of secondary schooling or a year of paid employment in the region in which they are applying. Evidence of this may be requested during the selection process.
  • Applicant demonstrates their intent to support the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry post study.

 

  • Applicants need to provide current grade average (GPA) or NCEA results. Evidence of this may be requested during the selection process.

 

  • Successful applicants will be advised in January 2027.

 

Successful applicants who receive an undergraduate scholarship will need to:

  • Be available to attend the Horticulture Conference in 2027
  • Complete industry service up to a maximum of five hours (e.g. high school or community visit)
  • Prepare a short video report on their studies and career development throughout the 2026 academic year.

Horticulture Postgraduate Scholarships

Every year Horticulture New Zealand and the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust each offer one scholarship to a postgraduate student studying in New Zealand.

These scholarships support students undertaking postgraduate study focused on innovation and tackling challenges critical to the horticulture industry's future success.

There are two scholarships available nationally for the 2027 academic year, these are:

  • The Horticulture New Zealand Postgraduate Scholarship
  • The New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust postgraduate Scholarship

Horticulture New Zealand Postgraduate Scholarship 

This scholarship is awarded to a student undertaking postgraduate study in horticulture or a related field.

New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust Postgraduate Scholarship 

This scholarship is awarded to a student undertaking postgraduate study specifically related to the fruit industry.

Any questions regarding these scholarships should be sent to schols@hortnz.co.nz

Horticulture Postgraduate Scholarship information

 

  • Applicants must be enrolled in postgraduate study in horticulture or a related field in 2027
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
  • Applicants must have the intent to support the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry.

 

  • Applicants are required to answer questions on GPA, provide supervisor and reference contacts, and write a 250–300-word essay on why your research will add value to the horticulture industry. Proof of GPA may be requested during the selection process.

 

  • Successful applicants will be advised in early January 2027.

 

Successful applicants who receive a postgraduate scholarship will need to provide Horticulture New Zealand with a short video summarising their research or prepare a written report.

Horticulture Industry Training Scholarships

Each year HortNZ offers scholarships to New Zealand students who have a special interest in the commercial fruit and vegetable production sector and are undergoing significant industry training or education with a vocational provider. 

HortNZ is offers scholarships for trainees active in the horticulture industry and are studying towards a certificate or diploma. 

Scholarships are applied for now and awarded pre-Christmas for keeping up with work and study throughout the year.

A selection team will review applications and select scholarship recipients. The team will consider:

  • Commitment to the horticulture industry
  • Potential contribution to the industry 
  • Past achievements 
  • Individual approach, qualities and skills
  • Referees’ comments.   

Applications will be reviewed in April with decisions announced in May.

At the end of the year, HortNZ will seek verification that selected applicants have successfully completed their studies (this includes applicants who complete their study in July). Once successful completion is confirmed, the scholarship will be awarded.

Any questions regarding these scholarships should be sent to schols@hortnz.co.nz

Industry Training Scholarships information

  • Applicant must be a current trainee or apprentice enrolled in a certificate or diploma in an area of study related to production horticulture.
  • Applicant must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • Applicant demonstrates their intent to support the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry post study.

A selection team will review applications and select scholarship recipients. They will consider:

  • Commitment to the horticulture industry
  • Potential contribution to the industry
  • Past achievements
  • Individual approach, qualities and skills
  • Referees' comments.

Applications will be reviewed in April with decisions announced in May.

  • HortNZ will seek verification that applicants have successfully completed their studies at the end of the year.
  • Payment of the scholarship will be made early in the following year, following verification of completion of study.