Horticulture New Zealand invites applications for 2027 scholarships programme

Applications are now open for Horticulture New Zealand’s 2027 scholarship programme.

Each year, the organisation, which represents New Zealand’s more than 4,300+ commercial growers, offers a range of scholarships to students studying in New Zealand towards undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Kate Scott, Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive, said applications are invited from students with a particular interest in the commercial fruit and vegetable sector.

“A key pillar of the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP) is to nurture people. The sector is focused on attracting, retaining and growing great people through a structured capability framework, building a responsible and attractive industry and supporting workforce diversity.

“The scholarships provide an opportunity for students studying across a very wide range of disciplines. Our industry uses a vast range of skills, from research and laboratory work, to agronomy, harvesting, technology, marketing, logistics and much more.

“With previous scholars now forging successful careers in the sector, we look forward to applications from current students who are focused on going on to rewarding roles in an industry which is critical to the New Zealand economy.”

Three postgraduate scholarships, each worth $10,000, are available this year, for students undertaking postgraduate study focused on innovation and tackling challenges critical to the horticulture industry’s future success.

The Horticulture New Zealand Postgraduate Scholarship is for study specifically related to the vegetable industry.

Two New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust Postgraduate Scholarships are offered, for study specifically related to the fruit industry.

The Horticulture New Zealand Undergraduate Scholarships will enable successful applicants to attend the 2027 New Zealand Horticulture Conference. Each scholarship is valued at $1,500, to cover the costs of flights, accommodation and conference registration.

Applicants must be a tertiary student studying in New Zealand towards an undergraduate degree or diploma in any discipline and be able to demonstrate their intent to support the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry post study.

Nine of these scholarships will be awarded to applicants from New Zealand’s major growing regions, with one from each region. These are Northland; Auckland/Waikato; Bay of Plenty; Tairawhiti Gisborne; Hawke’s Bay; Lower North Island; Tasman, including Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast, Canterbury; and Otago and Southland. 

Four Horticulture New Zealand scholarships will also be awarded nationally to applicants from outside these regions.

The top five applicants will each receive a Horticentre Trust Undergraduate Scholarship, valued at $4,500 - enabling them to attend the 2027 New Zealand Horticulture conference, plus funding towards their studies.

Applications for all the scholarships close on Tuesday 1 December. For more information, please visit  www.hortnz.co.nz