Hannah Xiao

2023 Recipient

Hannah is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waikato. Hannah is excited by the many possible ways in which her studies could support the kiwifruit industry. “Whether it’s developing technology for harvesting, using sensors to optimise irrigation or creating innovative solutions for post-harvest processing” Hannah is excited to apply her skills and knowledge to help the kiwifruit industry thrive.

Emma Howie

2023 Recipient

Emma is studying a Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours in Food Process Engineering at Massey University in Palmerston North. Having grown up in Te Puke on an organic kiwifruit orchard, Emma has a strong connection to the land, food and sustainability. She is passionate about the industry particularly because “it plays a crucial role in rural areas, by creating jobs, fostering relationships and contributing to the economic wellbeing of local communities”.

Sarah Wilson

2022 Recipient

Sarah is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness, majoring in International Agribusiness at Massey University in Palmerston North. Having grown up in Te Puke, Sarah is super passionate about the kiwifruit industry. She has "been surrounded by world-class horticulture" her whole life and has "always been inspired by the innovation and resilience of the people within the industry".

Aaron Hewson

2022 Recipient

Aaron is studying towards a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Genetics & Agricultural Innovation, as well as undertaking a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Asian Studies and minoring in Religious Studies at the University of Otago. For Aaron, the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is "the culture of innovation and sustainability that drives it. With these values, the kiwifruit industry is well placed to meet upcoming challenges, and will continue to produce fruit that's good for people and the planet."

Letisha White 

2021 Recipient

Letisha is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Science at the University of Otago, majoring in Consumer Food Science and Human Resource Management. Growing up on a kiwifruit orchard, Letisha is passionate about sustainability as well as Innovation and says the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is “the range of employment opportunities, and how the industry supports local communities”.

Letisha White 

2021 Recipient

Renee is pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences majoring in Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health at the University of Otago. Renee is thrilled about the chance to gain a deeper insight into New Zealand's kiwifruit industry and to learn more about how health and nutrition fit into current horticultural practices.

Connor Wilkins

2020 Recipient

Connor is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Otago. For him, the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is that it is exciting, progressive and is full of many different career possibilities. Connor has spent a lot of time working on his family orchard and he has become very passionate about kiwifruit. He is excited about the opportunity to broaden his skills and apply his knowledge on-orchard.

Katherine Martin

2020 Recipient

Katherine is entering the final year of her Bachelor of Science degree at Massey University. She has a keen interest in environmental science and is passionate about future-proofing the kiwifruit industry. She says the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is its passion for producing great quality kiwifruit, while being mindful of the environment, as well as its support for its people.

Dylan Hall

2019 Recipient

Dylan is also at Massey University, currently studying towards a Bachelor of Agricommerce majoring in International Agribusiness. The best thing about kiwifruit, in his opinion, is the number of diverse opportunities within the industry and the benefits it provides local communities, such as employment. He’s also “intrigued about the various elements involved in the process of getting fruit from the orchard to the marketplace.”

George Hyauiason

2019 Recipient

George is entering into the second year of his Bachelor of Horticultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North. He’s passionate about the kiwifruit industry because of the massive growth it’s currently experiencing and says “Kiwifruit in New Zealand is an industry growing in size like no other. It’s a pioneering industry for the whole horticultural sector. Life long, exciting careers are built in kiwifruit, through Zespri!”

Aimee Elliott

2018 Recipient

Aimee is currently studying an Agribusiness degree at the University of Waikato and is a keen athlete. For her, the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is the wide range of people, skills and opportunities available, along with the resilience the industry has shown over recent years. 

Andrew Jenkins

2018 Recipient

Andrew has previously worked in kiwifruit and is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University. He says the best thing about the kiwifruit industry is the variety of work available. From orchards, to packhouse, to labs, to offices there is something for everyone, with plenty of jobs available and often new ones being created.

Alex Tomkins

2017 Recipient

Alex Tomkins ventured onto her first orchard in 2016 and spent her early teenage years living in South East Asia with her family, where she was impressed to spot high quality New Zealand kiwifruit in Singapore and Thailand. She opted to study agricultural and horticultural science at school following her family’s move to Tauranga. “My dream job? Being able to work in a primary industry, to be a CEO in the future, putting New Zealand products on the world stage.” 

Fergus Chinnery

2017 Recipient

Being raised on a kiwifruit orchard led to a natural interest in kiwifruit genetics and inspired him to study biology. It also propelled him towards laboratory-based work. “There’s been massive development in new varieties, such as red kiwifruit, and that’s something that really interests me. Among his trophy haul at the recent Katikati College prize giving night were awards for leadership, drama, top overall student and one for unselfish service to the school.

Georgia Cook

2016 Recipient

Georgia, an 18-year-old from Thames High School, is heading to Otago University to pursue a Bachelor of Science majoring in human nutrition, while Libby has her eyes on a law degree through Victoria University in Wellington. Georgia’s community involvement and all-round excellence helped set her apart. She was a deputy head student this year and won the school award for significant contribution to the school and community.

Libby Bradley

2016 Recipient

Raised on kiwifruit and avocado orchards, Libby has spent much of her spare time volunteering as a lifeguard with the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service. She was the deputy head girl at Katikati College this year and has ambitions of specialising in corporate law, and hopefully in the horticulture realm. “Horticulture and kiwifruit definitely have big futures. Our community is based around kiwifruit orchards and I’ve definitely learned how much a good season can help the community.

Jack Keeys

2015 Recipient

Waikato University business and science student Jack Keeys says the exciting thing about the kiwifruit industry is that it has a strong foundation but with massive growth opportunities. 

Lizzie Boyle

2015 Recipient

At the time of the scholarship, Lizzie Boyle was in her first year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in food science at Otago University. Lizzie says the Zespri scholarship has helped her see what the horticulture industry is all about – “how large it is and how the different aspects combine together”.