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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Zespri Grower Governance Scholarship

Applications for 2027 open 1 December 2026.

Curious about governance but not sure where to start? Zespri is funding four kiwifruit growers to attend the Institute of Directors’ one-day Governance Essentials course in 2027. It’s entry-level, so no experience is needed, and you choose the date that suits you. Applications close 5pm, 18 January.

The Grower Governance Scholarship is a great first step if you’re curious about governance and want to learn more about what it involves.

Four scholarships are available, with each recipient receiving a fully funded place on the Institute of Directors’ one-day Governance Essentials course. You can choose the 2027 course date and location that suits you from the IoD calendar.

The course covers governance, legal and regulatory essentials, the role of the board, board meetings and papers, and how boards and management work together. Travel to the course is not covered.

If you’re considering applying for the Zespri Governance Development Programme (ZGDP), we suggest completing the course before ZGDP applications close in mid-June 2027. There’s no obligation to apply for ZGDP afterwards, and receiving the scholarship doesn’t give preferential entry.

This scholarship is designed for active kiwifruit growers who are curious about governance but haven’t completed formal governance training before.

You don’t need any previous governance experience. The selection panel will look at why you’re interested in governance, examples of where you’ve stepped up to lead or influence something, and aim for a good mix of growers across growing regions.

To apply, you must:

  • be an active kiwifruit grower who owns or operates an orchard
  • not have completed formal governance training, such as the IoD Company Directors’ Course or Governance Essentials
  • be available to attend a one-day IoD Governance Essentials course during 2027.

Download and complete the application form here.

You’ll need to provide some information about yourself and your orchard, then answer three short questions about:

  • why you’re interested in governance and why now
  • a time you’ve stepped up to lead or influence something
  • what you hope to take away from the Governance Essentials course. 

Once completed, convert your application to PDF and email it to Laura Gaveika, Programme Manager, Governance Development, at laura.gaveika@zespri.com before 5pm Monday 18 January 2027.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Thursday 28 January 2027. 

Any questions? Contact Laura until 10 December, or from 11 January.

 

Zespri Governance Development Programme

Applications for 2026 programme have now closed.

The Zespri Governance Development Programme is designed to enable leaders of the kiwifruit industry transition into governance roles. Developed for individuals with proven career leadership and a strong commitment to both the industry and community, this initiative prepares candidates for governance opportunities. 

Zespri contributes 50% of the programme costs per candidate. 
Full details of the programme can be found in our guide here.

We welcome applicants from the kiwifruit industry and adjacent sectors who hold a defined ambition to secure a governance role within the next three to five years.

Applications for 2026 programme have now closed.

 

Zespri Horticultural Scholarship

Applications for 2026 are now closed.

The Zespri Horticultural scholarship will provide up to $10,000 towards tuition fees over two years for two outstanding current university students to support their studies towards a career in the horticulture industry. This could include degrees in science, management, marketing, nutrition or business. The scholarship also includes opportunities to be involved with the kiwifruit industry.

The scholarships provides:

• Up to $10,000 ($5000 per year for two years) towards tuition fees.

Anyone who is completing or has completed at least one year of tertiary study and is aspiring to a career in the horticulture industry, particularly kiwifruit.

To be eligible for a Zespri Horticultural Scholarship you need to:

• Have passed NCEA Level 3 with merit or excellence.
• Pass (or be on track to pass) your first year of tertiary studies with a B+ average or higher.
• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Give examples of how your study will benefit the horticulture industry.
• Provide examples of your leadership skills, community service and/or sporting or cultural activities.

Applications for the 2026 Zespri Horticultural Scholarships are now closed.

 

Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme

Applications for 2026 programme have now closed.

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 flights and accommodation necessary to complete the programme.

The Programme runs for 19 days in-person and is spread over six months, making it easier to fit in around work and family commitments.

You can find the Programme Overview here: https://ruralleaders.co.nz/programme-overview-kellogg-rural-leadership/.

Aspiring future leaders of the kiwifruit industry.

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must have experience in the kiwifruit industry. Applicants should be able to demonstrate leadership potential and show motivation to be a leader of change in their business, community, or within the rural sector. 

You will be asked to provide two referees to support your application.

Applications for the 2026 programme have now closed. 

To help prepare for the next programme, please read these guidelines to help you in your application before completing the form.

 

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.