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.
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.
Women's leadership scholarships available
23 Mar 2021
Scholarships are currently available through Women & Leadership New Zealand to support the development of women leaders across New Zealand’s plants and horticulture sector.
Scholarships of between $1000 and $5000 will support participation in one of three leadership development courses designed for emerging through to senior leaders.
Expressions of interest close on 18 June. Find out more and register your interest at https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/farmingagriculture.html
Women & Leadership New Zealand (WLNZ) supports women leaders across all sectors and industries by providing world-class leadership development programs for emerging, middle and senior leaders. Our applied, work-integrated leadership programs provide skills and strategies to address real-world leadership challenges, and are designed to maximise learning outcomes.
Through our Industry Partnership Framework, we work with associations and professional bodies to increase awareness and action around gender equity. With your support, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for women leaders in your industry. For more information, visit https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/industrypartnerships.html
Scholarships of up to $5000 per person available for women in the plants and horticulture sector
To encourage more women to step into leadership roles across the plants and horticulture sector, WLNZ is offering scholarships for three leadership development courses. The current round of scholarship funding must be allocated by the end of June. Expressions of interest are being accepted until 18 June (unless allocated prior) via this link: https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/farmingagriculture.html
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Young Plant Producer 2025 applications open today - March 10
Encourage your young stars to shine! 🌱✨ This year's competition takes place at Lincoln University on June 24th & 25th so encourage your younger team members to apply by March 31. If they’re 30 or under by December 31, 2025, and working in the plant production industry, they’re eligible to enter.
A new direction for vocational education: Industry Skills Boards announced
Last year, NZPPI contributed to the consultation process on the Government’s proposed reforms to New Zealand’s vocational education and training system. On 20 December 2024, the Government revealed its plans, marking a significant shift in how vocational training will be structured.
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Lydia used her YPP and Young Hort winnings to visit overseas plant production operations and build on her horticultural knowledge.
Fraser Award winner: Paige Brewster
Paige Brewster from Norfork Rd Nursery in Wairarapa received the 2024 Fraser Award.
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An initiative that supports networking and career progression of women in horticulture has received state funding.
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We have our Young Plant Producer 2024!
Anna England from Amberley has been named as the 2024 Young Plant Producer of the Year.
Proposed new BSc Major in Horticultural and Plant Sciences: signatures needed
Researchers at Lincoln University have proposed a new Horticultural and Plant Science Major (Bachelor of Science). The next stage in the process of approving the qualification is gathering endorsement signatures to support the business case.
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Students Lining up for Horticulture
Last month Matt Dolan had the privilege to present at the Horticulture Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) Conference in Motueka, where he learned that after decades of declining student numbers, horticulture classes are again filling up.
Business Central's Payroll Bootcamp Available to all NZPPI Members
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Skills Shortages
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Join NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival, 12-14 March
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Kellogg Rural Leadership Course 2 applications open now
Are you working in the food and fibre sector and passionate about growing your leadership style, your networks and contributing to your community and industry? If you are, then we encourage you to take the next step in your development and do a Kellogg Rural Leadership course.
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On February the 25th NZ Plant Producers attended the PICA research & insights forum on ‘Growing our Workforce through Quality Workplaces’
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Apply for the Food and Fibre Youth Council – registration closes on the 9th of April.
Minimum wage rates increase from Thursday, 1 April 2021
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey
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NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi
NZ Plant Producers attended Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival on 12-14 March
Entries now open – are you the next plant production Young Achiever?
After being forced to cancel in 2020, the next competition will be held on July 14-15, at Growing Spectrum, Hamilton.
Entries are open and must be submitted by Sunday 2 May 2021.
Lincoln University resumes horticulture diplomas and degrees
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Plant production jobs showcased
Plant production joins other primary industries to promote careers and employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.