HortNZ invites scholarship applications for leadership programme

Growers and their employees are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme Scholarships.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Nadine Tunley said the programme is designed for potential and current leaders from all age groups in the fruit and vegetable industry.

“Horticulture is growing, and we have an ambitious goal of doubling the farm gate 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. We need a strong pool of high performing leaders that have the confidence and skills to take our industry into the future.”

Participants will primarily, but not exclusively, be growers, their employees or from organisations closely associated with growing.

The programme involves two residential courses. One from 13-18 August 2024 in Auckland and the second from 17-19 October 2024 in Wellington. Participants will also be supported to develop a personal leadership plan.

Since 2002, more than 300 aspiring leaders have graduated from the HortNZ Leadership Programme. It has returned this year after a careful review in 2023 that did a deep dive into the current and future industry landscape - looking into the broader food and fibre training programmes and seeking a more enduring funding platform.

Participants will develop increased confidence to take the lead and provide influence into the future and gain a greater understanding of what leadership is really all about.

“Graduates come out with ready to use leadership and business skill, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving,” says Ms Tunley.

“They have a wider perspective and understanding of industry issues and how to address those, now and into the future.

“They also gain an awareness of strategy and how to use it and self-knowledge and their own personal plan to go forward.”

The programme is an ideal opportunity to network and to build relationships with other like-minded emerging and current leaders.

HortNZ is offering 12 scholarships that will meet all course fees and accommodation costs. Scholars only need to meet their travel costs for the two residential programmes.

Up to six further non-scholar positions are available on the programme for a course fee of $5,000+GST. 

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.

Previous unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to re-apply for entry into subsequent courses.

Applications for the programme close on 5 July.