WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
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.
Careers and Education
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:
- Developing our industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
- Promoting free apprenticeships
- Establishing a way for people to find jobs in our sector
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 award 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. The inaugural award was presented at the Conference 2022 awards dinner by Carol’s son Michael to Rural Design nursery manager, Dani McBride, our 2021 Young Plant Producer..
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
Equipping today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges.
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, 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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The Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) has put together a list of scholarships available in the food and fibre sectors.
MPI scholarships available
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is expanding a scholarship programme for tertiary students as part of its efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers, producers and growers.
We have our Young Plant Producer 2024!
Anna England from Elliot’s Wholesale Nursery in Amberley has been named as the 2024 Young Plant Producer of the Year.
New leadership course under development for the horticulture sector
Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for the food and fibre sector is working with the horticultural sector to design a new formal leadership course for emerging leaders.
2023 Fraser Award presented
Congratulations to Alice Buschl, recipient for the 2023 Fraser Award.
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.
Our Young Plant Producer wins accolades at Young Hort
A big congratulations to Lydia O'Dowd of Southern Woods Nursery in Christchurch who came third place in the Young Horticulturalist competition and won the innovation and speech awards.
HortPartners website, discussion paper, workshop and survey launched
The new HortPartners website is now live and there are opportunities to have your say on plant production extension and research.
Working Holiday Schemes reopening
The 2023 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes have now been confirmed by Immigration New Zealand.
New Approach to Food and Fibre Qualifications
Muka Tangata seeks your feedback on proposed food and fibre qualification system
Inaugural Fraser Award presented
Our conference awards dinner kicked off with the presentation of the inaugural Carol Fraser Industry Training Award aka the Fraser Award to our 2021 Young Achiever Dani McBride.
Conference workshop 2: Leadership transformation
Experienced primary industry leadership coach, Sue Pickering, brought her deep knowledge and inspiration to this workshop to help attendees understand that sticking to a traditional leadership style doesn’t work anymore.
Zealandia Horticulture embracing Secondary School Employer Partnership (SSEP)
Zealandia Horticulture is working with Christchurch students to promote plant production.
TEC research into school leaver decision-making provides industry opportunity
TEC has put out a foundation piece of research that presents a deeper understanding of how school leavers decide their next steps. We need to ensure we make use of the findings to increase our workforce.
Immigration update: new websites and employer webinar
Immigration New Zealand has relaunched its website to attract migrants plus has a webinar this Friday on Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) job check requirements
Our Young Achievers are competing this week! 25 July
Our Young Achievers are getting ready to fly to Christchurch for Challenge Day. Read the general media release
NZPPI opens an office on Lincoln campus
We are delighted to announce that our People Capability Advisor Alice Schofield is now based at Lincoln campus, forging a closer relationship with the institute and providing us with a South Island presence.
Muka Tangata Hui
Muka Tanagata, the Workforce Development Council for People, Food, and Fibre, has heard insights on the needs of the plant production sector. NZPPI People Capability Advisor Alice Schofield recently attended a hui hosted by Muka Tanagata as part of its discovery of ways to enhance vocational education.
Young Achiever of the Year competition is back and bigger than ever before
Is one of your team members the plant production industry’s next Young Achiever? Give your emerging leaders the chance to represent the plant production industry in the 2022 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition and boost their growing career.
Congratulations to Dani McBride!
NZPPI 2021 Young Achiever, Dani McBride, was a major achiever at the 2021 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition yesterday where she came 2nd overall and presented with a suite of awards.
COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment
We understand that wages during this time can be a confusing space. The government has set up different schemes for differing circumstances for every business.
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.
Do you know any Young Achievers?
Entries close on Sunday 2 May for the Young Achiever of the Year 2021. Do you know any Young Achievers you can encourage to take the next step in their career?
Business Central's Payroll Bootcamp Available to all NZPPI Members
Business Central has put together a Payroll Bootcamp, starting 11th May 2021, updating you on changes to payroll legislation. All NZPPI members can take advantage of their member discount price, courtesy of our affiliation with the EMA.
Skilled Newcomers program connecting you with skilled talent
Business Central has an awesome initiative, creating ease for employers when looking for the right candidates for their company.
2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards opens for entries
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards. The awards celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
Skills Shortages
The closure of NZ’s borders due to Covid-19 means that there will be lack of overseas workers – especially in high skill areas, like propagation.
Join NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival, 12-14 March
Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival is a vibrant, contemporary garden festival
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.
Primary Industry Capability Alliance research and insights forum on workforce in the food and fibre sector
On February the 25th NZ Plant Producers attended the PICA research & insights forum on ‘Growing our Workforce through Quality Workplaces’
New Zealand emerging from the bubble
On Wednesday 24 March, NZ Plant Producers Alice Schofield and Alix Walles attended Ngā Kōrero Whai Take - Conversations that Count.
He Tātai Rangahua - The Food and Fibre Youth Network
Apply for the Food and Fibre Youth Council – registration closes on the 9th of April.
Minimum wage rates increase from Thursday, 1 April 2021
As a business owner or manager, you need to be ready for the increase in minimum wage rates from Thursday, 1 April 2021.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey
NZ Plant Producers would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey, to identify your needs in labour, skills and training for 2021
Catch us at the Rotorua careers expo
We are very excited to be participating at this year’s career expo in Rotorua on the 10th and 11th of May.
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
The new Bachelor of Commerce (Horticulture) is designed to produce business leaders in the horticultural and food industries. The degree will provide the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in a management or advisory role.
Plant production jobs showcased
Plant production joins other primary industries to promote careers and employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.