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 2025 are now open and will close on Sunday, April 6, 2025
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.
The program starts Tuesday 24 June 2025:
- Phase One (Lincoln): Tuesday 24 June – Wednesday 2 July 2025.
- Phase Two (Wellington): Monday 8 September – Friday 12 September 2025.
- Phase Three (Lincoln): Monday 24 November – Friday 28 November 2025.
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 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.
To complete your application please:
- Fill in this
application form - Ensure your two referees complete the referee form
- Email the completed application form, referee form and attachments to scholarships@zespri.com
Industry Governance Development Programme
Applications for 2025 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.
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Zespri School Fund
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
The Zespri School Fund has been created with the purpose of giving back to our valued schools, Te Kura and early childhood education providers. Zespri’s purpose is to help people, communities and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit and the Fund is one way in which we live our purpose.
Find out more here
Zespri Horticultural Scholarship
Applications for 2024 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.
• Opportunities to be involved in the kiwifruit industry
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 2024 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.