Scholarships
Supporting a skilled Industry
Investing in education and skills is an essential focus for Zespri, particularly encouraging young people into the kiwifruit industry. We support 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 industry.
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Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
Applications for 2024 are now open, closing Thursday 11 April.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme is designed for people wanting to develop their leadership skills in order to take on roles in management and governance in the primary sector. Zespri are proud to sponsor one person from the kiwifruit industry each year to complete this prestigious programme.
This is a highly respected rural and primary sector programme, providing knowledge and skills for:
- Personal development and growth
- Developing the 'contextual intelligence' and thinking required for leadership
- Gaining greater insights into the primary industry sector
- Making strategic connections and networks.
Many graduates of the programme have gone on to achieve successful careers in leadership roles in New Zealand agriculture.
The successful recipient of the scholarship will receive their place on the Kellogg Rural Leadership programme, plus accommodation. You must cover the remainder of the costs associated with the programme..
The Programme runs for 18 days in-person and is spread over six months, making it easier to fit in around work and family commitments.
Programme starts Tuesday 18 June 2024.
- Phase One (Lincoln):Tuesday 18 June – Wednesday 26 June.
- Phase Two (Wellington): Monday 9 September – Friday 13 September.
- Phase Three (Lincoln): Monday 25 November – Friday 29 November.
Aspiring future leaders of the kiwifruit industry.
To be eligible for the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme you must have experience in the kiwifruit industry. You should also be able to demonstrate your leadership skills either in the industry or in the community. You will be asked to provide two referees.
Download the Zespri Scholarship application and referee forms:
- Application Form - Word, PDF Format
- Referee Form - Word, PDF Format
Applications need to be sent to scholarships@zespri.com by Thursday 11 April
We highly recommend that you also apply directly with Rural Leaders so that you are still considered for the programme - regardless of whether or not you are successful in your application for the Zespri scholarship position.
Industry Governance Development Programme
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
The Zespri Industry Governance Development Programme is designed to enable leaders of the kiwifruit industry to make the step into governance roles. The programme will introduce successful candidates to governance and leadership possibilities and allow them to build their capability as future leaders of the industry.
People with strong leadership skills and experience who are wanting to step into governance roles within the kiwifruit industry.
To apply, fill out the application form here and send the completed form to: scholarships@zespri.com
Applications for 2024 are now closed..
Zespri R&D Internships
Applications for the 2023/24 internship programme are now closed.
Zespri offers a number of 10-week summer internships to tertiary students annually from November – February. Interns work on individual, research and development-based projects, specialising in science, technology, and other technical industry aspects. The program provides great networking and personal development opportunities within the business and externally. If you’re a student and want to spend the summer working for the world’s biggest kiwifruit marketer, see below for further details.
Programme dates : Tuesday 28th Nov 2023 – Friday 16th Feb 2024. Please note; you need to be able to commit for the entire duration of the internship.
If you're a student looking to complement your studies and gain kiwifruit industry experience over your summer break, our internship programme could be for you.
- Be studying or have recently completed (closing date of your final semester should be less than 12 months ago), an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or qualification at NZQA level 7-10.
- Be studying science, technology, engineering, design or business at a New Zealand tertiary education institute.
- Not have undertaken more than two R&D Internships with Zespri in the past.
Applications for the 2023/24 internship programme are now closed.
Toi Ki Tua Maori Internship Program
Zespri partners with Toi Kai Rawa, the Regional Māori Economic Development agency for the Bay of Plenty, to deliver the Toi Ki Tua kiwifruit summer internship. The programme is aimed at supporting Māori tertiary students in gaining professional work experience and exposure in the Bay of Plenty kiwifruit industry. If you are interested to learn more about the programme, check out their website here https://www.toikitua.co.nz/students.
MĀORI KIWIBERRY SCHOLARSHIP
Applications are closed.
Māori Kiwifruit Growers Inc (MKGI) in conjunction with Zespri and Plant and Food Research are providing a kiwiberry cultivar development scholarship for one current Māori undergraduate or postgraduate student.
The initial scholarship is up to $40,000 and one year of work experience or study. This could include degrees in all areas of science, maths, technology, engineering or computing.
The Māori Kiwiberry Scholarship is offered to build awareness of the kiwifruit industry as an exciting career option, to encourage further research into the industry (especially in the kiwifruit cultivar development) and to encourage capability building.
Applications for 2020 are now closed.