Monday, 11 May 2026 13:22

HortNZ Opens Applications for 2026 Leadership Programme Scholarships

Written by  Staff Reporters
Kate Scott, HortNZ chief executive. Kate Scott, HortNZ chief executive.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is inviting applications for scholarships places on its 2026 Leadership Programme.

The programme, delivered in partnership with Rural Leaders, is designed to strengthen leadership capability, industry knowledge and professional development within New Zealand horticulture.

HortNZ is offering 12 scholarships for the prorramme.

Support for Future Industry Growth

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the Leadership Programme is a major part of the organisation’s wider efforts to build capability and capacity across the horticulture workforce.

“Horticulture is growing and has an ambitious goal to double the farmgate value of horticultural production by 2035,” says Scott.

“We are strongly focused on increasing the capability and capacity of the horticulture workforce.

“The HortNZ Leadership Programme is an established and highly regarded programme. It supports participants to gain a greater understanding of leadership and practical leadership skills and a wider perspective of how to address industry issues."

Strong Demand Expected

“There is always strong demand and a high calibre of applicants," says Scott.

"We look forward to receiving applications from passionate horticulturalists who want to make a difference to the sector.”

The programme will be delivered in two phases in August and October 2026 and includes all participants developing a personal plan for moving forward in leadership.

There is a maximum of 16 participants. As well as the 12 scholarships, up to four positions are available for a programme fee of $5,000 + GST plus accommodation.

Applications close on 28 June. For details go to www.hortnz.co.nz.

More like this

RSE Scheme Changes Coming - McClay

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.

Featured

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

Applications open for 2027 Zanda McDonald Award

Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter