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 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.

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.

Working Holiday Schemes reopening

08 Feb 2023

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 The 2023 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes have now been confirmed by Immigration New Zealand.

Once each scheme opens, applications will remain open until the quota is filled. Once filled, the scheme will close until 2024.  

Work is underway to implement changes to the Spain and Vietnam schemes. Opening dates for these schemes will be made available on Immigration New Zealand's website once they are confirmed. 

The table below and on the Immigration website shows the date each scheme will open, as well as the number of places available in each scheme for 2023. 

Working Holiday Scheme	2023 Opening Date	Cap (people per year)
Malaysia	7 February 2023	1,150
Portugal	21 February 2023	50
Mexico	28 February 2023	200
Estonia	9 March 2023	100
Philippines	16 March 2023	100
Hong Kong	28 March 2023	400
Slovenia	6 April 2023	100
Hungary	27 April 2023	100
Slovakia	4 May 2023	100
Austria	11 May 2023	100
Korea	18 May 2023	3,000
Luxembourg	1 June 2023	50
Poland	8 June 2023	100
Latvia	15 June 2023	100
Czech	22 June 2023	1,200
Israel	4 July 2023	200
Singapore	11 July 2023	300
Taiwan	18 July 2023	600
China	1 August 2023	1,000
Malta	10 August 2023	50
Lituania	17 August 2023	100
Thailand	24 August 2023	100
Turkey	31 August 2023	100
Argentina	14 September 2023	1,000
Croatia	26 September 2023	100
Peru	3 October 2023	100
Brazil	10 October 2023	300
Chile	19 October 2023	940
Uruguay	2 November 2023	200

 

 

 

 

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