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 Governance Development Programme
2026 applications are now open
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.
Find the application form here.
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.
Zespri Horticultural Scholarship
Applications for 2026 are not yet open
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 2025 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.