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2025 HortNZ Leadership Programme

Horticulture is growing together with ambitious goals such as doubling the farmgate value of production in a way that improves 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 employees to successfully capture the opportunities and address the challenges that his growth offers.

Participants will join the ranks of more than 320 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 involved 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 of 18 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.

All applicants will need to fill out an online application form. You can apply as soon as you’re ready.

If you’re not quite ready, no problem, you can register your interest in the meantime. This will help us keep you up to date on programme details.

When you are ready to apply, your application will need to include a photo (a headshot) and the contact details of two HortNZ levy payers (commercial fruit and vegetable growers) to support your application.

 

Applications and registrations of interest can be made here.

 

The programme is limited to 18 participants. 

 

Applications close midnight, Sunday 6 July 2025. You’ll be notified whether you’re successful, or unsuccessful this time, no later than 11 July 2025.

 

If you have any questions about the application process or the programme, contact Dr Lyndsey Dance, Programmes Manager at lyndseydance@ruralleaders.co.nz.

HortNZ is offering 12 scholarships. These scholarships cover all programme fees and accommodation costs.

There will also be up to six positions available on the programme at a cost of $5,000 +GST plus accommodation.

All successful applicants will be called on to meet the travel costs for one trip to and from Auckland, and one trip to and from Wellington, and are responsible for all their own travel arrangements to attend the two in-person phases.

Accommodation will be booked for all participants to secure special rates. It is expected that all participants stay and work together during the in-person phases of the programme.

Non-scholarship participants will be invoiced for accommodation with the programme fee and is payable before each phase. Accommodation is booked at a medium level hotel at a special rate and can be single or twin share basis.

The room rate is approximately $175 per night.

The course fee for non-scholarship participants must be paid prior to programme commencement. An invoice is issued upon acceptance on the programme. In special circumstances an alternative payment schedule may be agreed to.

A cancellation fee may apply once you have accepted a place on the programme.

The programme is delivered in two phases over nine weeks starting 11 August and finishing 17 October 2025:

  • Phase one: five days (11 – 15 August, Auckland)
  • Phase two: three days (15-17 October, Wellington)
  • Personal leadership plan: six weeks over the programme

At the end of the programme you will have:

  • Increased confidence to take the lead an 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, understand of 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.

Applications for the 2025 programme are now open and close at midnight, 6 July.

Apply here