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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.