ZESPRI in the community
Our success relies partly on the happiness and health of the communities and environment where we live and work and continual investment in the skills and leadership needed for our industry in the long term. At Zespri, we're committed to sharing this success and making positive contributions to our communities. That's why we support some of the region's local volunteer organisations who do a fantastic job with often limited resources.
Our Three Pillars
Our community investment programme has three pillars with which our partnerships are aligned:
a happy and healthy
Community
Zespri prioritises community-wide initiatives that support healthy lifestyles, strengthen kiwifruit-growing communities & create a positive impact.
An enhanced
Environment
Zespri partners with organisations that share our sustainability commitments and uphold our value of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
a skilled and connected
Industry
At Zespri, we aim to attract, retain and develop talent, while supporting events and memberships that connect our industry.
Supporting our communities
Zespri takes immense pride in the fact that our success is our communities’ success. Because the local communities where we grow kiwifruit have such a strong influence on our industry, we want to be a strong supporter of our people and our communities.
Good Neighbour Trust
Good Neighbour is a community-focused organisation dedicated to providing vital support and assistance to those in need. With a mission to foster compassion and create positive change, Good Neighbour offers a range of services including Food Rescue, Neighbourhood Projects, Community Gardens, Firewood, Care team, Kitchen Educational programs, and more. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment, Good Neighbour strives to uplift individuals and families, promoting a stronger, more resilient community for all. As a Platinum Sponsor of Good Neighbour, Zespri demonstrates its dedication to social responsibility and making a meaningful impact in the lives of people in need throughout the Bay of Plenty region.
KIDSCAN, ASSOCIATE PARTNER
Zespri is proud to be an Associate Partner of KidsCan, supporting their mission to provide essential items such as food, clothing and health products to children across New Zealand. Through this partnership, Zespri has provided financial support, donated kiwifruit, attended gifting events and volunteered to support KidsCan initiatives.
KidsCan partners with hundreds of schools and early childhood centres nationwide to help ensure Kiwi kids living in hardship have access to the most basic necessities they need to learn and thrive. Zespri’s support helps fund these vital programmes and the wider work of the KidsCan organisation.
Enhancing our Environment
Not only does Zespri have an incredibly dedicated sustainability team who strive towards our ambitious targets, but we have also identified the importance of supporting sustainable initiatives as a part of our community investment commitment.
ŌTANEWAINUKU KIWI TRUST
Nestled in the forest behind Te Puke—the kiwifruit capital of the world— the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust is a dedicated community volunteer group working to restore and regenerate the area’s rich biodiversity.
The Trust works tirelessly to protect our national bird and fruit’s namesake, the kiwi, through specialised breeding and conservation programmes. Beyond kiwi, their efforts extend to safeguarding habitats for other native species such as kōkako, while improving the overall health of the forest ecosystem. Through pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration, they are helping ensure these forests remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
Zespri is proud to support Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust with funding and resources that enable critical conservation activities, from biodiversity restoration projects to technology that supports species monitoring. Together, we’re helping protect the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Bay of Plenty.
Find out more here.
NEW ZEALAND FOOD NETWORK
The New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is a nationwide charity dedicated to tackling food insecurity by connecting surplus food with communities in need. Through its network of food hubs, schools, and community organisations, NZFN ensures nutritious food—including Zespri kiwifruit which does not meet export standards—reaches families across Aotearoa. By partnering with NZFN, Zespri helps reduce food waste and supports healthier communities throughout New Zealand
Find out more here.
Fostering a skilled and connected industry
Growing together— Zespri invests in developing talent and connecting the kiwifruit industry by supporting events and corporate memberships that bring our communities together to learn, collaborate, and thrive.
Zespri Scholarships
At Zespri we place a high priority on education and skills development and offer several scholarship opportunities throughout the year. To find out more about our Scholarships, click here.
Sponsorship application process and timing
If you have a great initiative in mind and are interested in establishing a partnership with Zespri, after having checked that your application aligns with Zespri’s community investment pillars above, please email your detailed proposal to: sponsorship@zespri.com.
Important note: Due to the volume of sponsorship requests we receive, please apply in writing at least three months before your event or initiative commences.