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.

To apply, or for more information, visit the website or email kellogg@ruralleaders.co.nz.

Proposed new BSc Major in Horticultural and Plant Sciences: signatures needed

11 Oct 2023

Researchers at Lincoln University, including Associate Professor Clive Kaiser, have proposed a new qualification major: a Horticultural and Plant Science Major (Bachelor of Science) to be introduced in 2024 to 2025.

NZPPI has examined the proposed course content and fully supports it. We have long identified the need for this level of education for the future development of our industry. The proposed qualification will help fill a crucial gap in horticultural plant science knowledge in the coming years as graduates join the workforce.

The next stage in the process of approving the qualification is gathering signatures from supporters. These signatures, along with the business case, will be forwarded to the Academic Quality and Policy Manager.

Some signatures from NZPPI members were collected at the NZPPI AGM. If you would like to add your signature, please complete the editable PDF below and email to matthew@nzppi.co.nz by October 25 2023. 

The qualification proposal states:

There are many challenges (and ongoing opportunities) for New Zealand to be able to continue harnessing value from land-based industries while maintaining our competitive advantages and developing new products for a global marketplace. New Zealand requires increasingly sophisticated graduates, technical solutions, and innovative science and management systems to address these challenges. 

As such the new Horticultural and Plant Science Major has the primary intention of providing a programme that aligns with the needs of the industry, including producing quality graduate scientists who can lead knowledge-driven solutions to some of the industry's most difficult challenges.

 The proposed major will be built around a core of traditional science and applied courses already taught at Lincoln. It includes a single new course: HORT109 Horticultural Science Principles and Practices. Cross-faculty collaboration will include two modified subjects from Agri Commerce, HORT222 and HORT272. 

Updated courses components will provide a stronger focus on the science behind horticultural production, plant growth regulators, fertilisation and plant protection, focusing on sustainable management.

We encourage NZPPI members and supporters to get behind the proposed qualification and sign the PDF. We will keep you updated on progress.

 
 

DOWNLOADS

Download Proposal for a new Hort Major
(Adobe PDF) 125KB

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