Westpac NZ Becomes First Bank to Accept Zespri Shares as Lending Security
Westpac NZ has become the first New Zealand bank to receive approval from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to secure and leverage kiwifruit growers' Zespri shares.
Kiwifruit marketer Zespri is again looking for graduates to join the business, following the launch of its graduate scheme last year.
Zespri global sourcing partner Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins says the scheme will run again this year to attract young finance and supply chain talent into the industry.
“Three positions are available to recent graduates, offering 12 months working in Zespri’s business and the wider kiwifruit industry.
“The kiwifruit industry is looking at serious growth – with export earnings set to double by 2020 – and Zespri wants the brightest and best employees on board to grow the business.
“The first graduate programme has been a phenomenal success and we’re excited to be doing it again.”
This year Zespri is looking for graduates to meet specific requirements of its business. Applications are welcome from graduates with supply chain and finance disciplines.
Ryan-Hopkins says skill in languages is particularly relevant, but the right attitude is the most important.
Zespri sells kiwifruit in 54 countries; it offers opportunities in marketing, finance, logistics, supply chain, horticulture, science and legal.
The successful applicants will have a senior executive mentor during their time at Zespri. Applications are open until September 13. Applicants must be New Zealand residents and have graduated within the past 12 months.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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