Zespri has launched a new scholarship for up to five students each year studying Massey University’s Bachelor of
Horticultural Science degree.
Dr Kylie Phillips, Zespri Innovation Team Leader – Supply Chain, explains the Zespri Science Scholarships are aimed at
students considering a career in the fast-growing kiwifruit industry. The scholarships are each worth up to $15,000 over
three years and include mentoring opportunities, exposure to and support from the wider industry.
“Zespri is on track to nearly double global sales from 2010 levels to $4.5 billion by 2025 and we can only do this by
attracting the right people with the right skills,” Dr Phillips says.
“Zespri’s extensive research and development programme is building scientific understanding of how best to grow and
deliver premium quality kiwifruit to consumers all over the world. Technology and science are changing our industry and
the horticulturalists of tomorrow will need different skillsets from the growers and postharvest operators of today.
“With the industry growing strongly in New Zealand and around the world, we want to attract talented young people with
the skills to support our value chain supply premium Zespri Kiwifruit that our consumers demand. This is a really
exciting time to be starting a career in the kiwifruit industry,” says Dr Phillips.
Head of Massey’s School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Peter Kemp says this investment will be a great
opportunity for students and the kiwifruit industry.
“As one of the world’s leading horticultural companies, Zespri’s investment shows additional support for the degree and
the students that it will produce. The Bachelor of Horticultural Science welcomed its first cohort this year, aiming to
fulfil a real need in a booming industry.
“It was created with close engagement from industry leaders, including Zespri. By working closely with industry, we will
continue to produce students with the broad knowledge they will need to excel within this exciting industry and prepare
them for future jobs,” says Professor Kemp.
Applicants for the scholarships should show how they are helping, or are planning to help, develop the New Zealand
horticultural industry, with a particular emphasis on kiwifruit. They should show their own personal passion and
commitment to New Zealand kiwifruit and horticulture as a career.
This scholarship is part of Zespri’s broader programme of education and personal development at every age and stage from
science in junior schools, to scholarships for tertiary study, and career development for future and current leaders of
the kiwifruit industry.
Applications are now open and close at the end of January 2020.