Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. We are working with our members, industry partners, tertiary providers and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.  

With about 4000 people employed in our sector and many unfilled jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for people to join our industry and pursue an exciting and rewarding career. 

We work with other primary organisations to identify the best structures for horticultural vocational eduction.

This work includes:

• Advocating for industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
• Promoting free apprenticeships and scholarships
• Supporting our emerging leaders on a strong career path.

To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website.

The Young Plant Producer competition recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.

The two-day event pushes entrants to learn valuable new skills, gives them exceptional networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a boost to their careers. Each year our Young Plant Producer joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year.

Check out the Young Plant Producer website for more information and how and when to enter.

In July 2022, we announced the establishment of the Carol Fraser Industry Training Award (Fraser Award) in memory of Carol Fraser who founded Growing Spectrum with her husband Peter. Carol, who played an extremely active role in industry training and the professional development of plant producers.

This (now) biennial scholarship continues Carol’s educational legacy through its support of those outstanding individuals who have a passion for plants, for training and education, and for our industry. It is open to the wider industry, not just people working in nurseries but also those working in plant science or technology. The award is open to individuals enrolled in or recently completed training and education related to plant production, the award is a fantastic opportunity for emerging young leaders. The next award is available in 2026. 

2024 Winner: Paige Bewster, Norfolk Rd Nursery

With five years' of experience in the industry and currently completing an apprenticeship in nursery production, Paige showed a deep passion and extensive knowledge in the propagation and botany of native species. Her significant contributions have earned her respect within the conservation community and among customers. Paige is stepping into a leadership role, mentoring and teaching others, and she use the scholarship to further her education and development.

2023 Winner, Alice Buschl,of Waimea Nurseries

Alice is a graduate of the Fruition Level 6 Diploma in Horticulture Production and oversees the commercial crops grown in the Container Nursery at Waimea Nurseries. She will use her scholarship award to do the Prince2 Project Management Course. "I am excited to learn about project management and use these new skills alongside my Horticultural skills to enhance my overall growth." The 2023 award was donated by Apex Greenhouses, NZPPI and the Fraser family. 

2022 Inaugural Winner, Dani McBride of Rural Design

Dani was our inaugural Fraser Award winner. Read all about her career in our Spotlight On series. 

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has been specifically designed for the food and fibre sector.

The programme develops food and fibre sector leaders with the skills, confidence, awareness, and networks to think and act strategically. It is for farmers, foresters, fishers, producers, growers, and agri-professionals who have a desire to contribute to their rural community, food and fibre production, processing, or profession.

Congratulations to Dani McBride!

24 Feb 2022

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The NZPPI 2021 Young Achiever, Dani McBride, was a major achiever at the 2021 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition yesterday where she was presented with a suite of awards.

Dani, who is Dispatch and Procurement Manager at Rural Design in Kaiwaka, came second overall in the competition. She was also awarded the FruitFed Supplies Leadership Award and the Innovation Project Award.

Dani said the competition was an amazing experience and a lot of fun. She said it was very rewarding despite event delays and the gala evening not going ahead due to Covid restrictions.

Dani’s 2nd place win gives her a $2,500 Massey University study scholarship, $750 of ICL Specialty Fertilisers and a one-year membership of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural & Horticultural Science (NZIAHS).  The leadership award gives her $2500 towards a leadership or Outward Bound course while the innovation award was $5000. The judges said of Dani’s concept: “Dani presented a ready-to-go innovation, showing the judges her high level of attention to detail, due diligence and business forecasting. Dani has business acumen to turn her concept into a successful business venture.” NZPPI will talk to Dani about this venture in the future when she is ready to share her concept.

The overall competition winner was Young Viticulturist representative, Rhys Hall, while 3rd place went to Young Amenity Horticulture representative Tim Cooper. Other finalists were Young Landscaper representative Hayden Parker, Young Flower Grower representative Rudrik Tripathi and New Arborist representative Martin Manea, who took part remotely due to Covid restrictions.

NZPPI congratulates Dani on her well-deserved awards and we look forward to seeing her develop further as a strong industry leader and inspiration for other young producers.

 

 

 

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