Ōpōtiki grower wins 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
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.
