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.
Lincoln Memorandum of Understanding
In July 2022, NZPPI was delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Lincoln University to establish a national Centre of Excellence for plant production. This Centre, based at Lincoln, will provide extension, research and capacity-building programmes for our industry, from breeding and germplasm through to the production and marketing of plants and plant products. The overall aim is to drive productivity and resilience in our industry through:
- accelerating the adoption of innovations
- technical and extension services for NZPPI members and our partners.
- establishing new models for horticulture education, in the regions and in the workplace.
Alongside this partnership with Lincoln, sits an innovation network model for plant production. The framework will give our members access to expertise from Lincoln and through its international networks. This is a step change for our industry. It will put plant producers in the driving seat, making science and education relevant and accessible, as well as cheaper and faster. Through our relationship with Lincoln, NZPPI can bring together the resources and know-how needed to establish the Centre of Excellence plus regional and local centres where extension and education activities can be delivered.
The Young Plant Producer competition (formerly called Young Achiever) 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, supported by the Fraser family, will continue 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 Achiever.
Careers & 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 structure for a Primary Workforce Development Council to represent our sector.
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
Workplace Training
The $1.6 Billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package announced by the Government will provide free training in our sector for a two year period, starting 1 June 2020.
This is a prime opportunity for anyone working in your business to take the step upskilling. There are many new training opportunities for workers that are starting out, or already in management positions.
To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website
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 now
For any queries contact Lisa Rogers +64 21 139 6881 or email kellogg@ruralleaders.co.nz
Working Holiday Schemes reopening
08 Feb 2023
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
|
RELATED
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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
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New Approach to Food and Fibre Qualifications
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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
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Our Young Achievers are competing this week! 25 July
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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.
Women's leadership scholarships available
Scholarships are currently available through Women & Leadership New Zealand to support the development of women leaders across New Zealand’s plants and horticulture sector
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.