increase font size
Giant Buttercup, Ranunculus acris.
A new mentoring programme that pairs plant science students with experienced researchers has been launched by the New Zealand Plant Protection Society (NZPPS).
The programme aims to teach students about the use of science in protecting New Zealand’s plant resources and give them a better understanding of the career options available in the sector.
“Ensuring the New Zealand environment is safe from the threat of invasive pests and diseases is vital, in protecting both our horticultural exports and for conservation of our native environment,” says Lisa Jamieson, NZPPs president.
“There are so many opportunities available to science students in this area, but understanding what those are, and how to approach them, can be difficult.”
The programme began in response to a survey of university students in plant protection, which indicated that a mentoring scheme was one of the most useful services that the NZPPS could provide its young members.
NZPPS says that under the scheme students with an interest in entomology, plant pathology, invasive weeds, and biosecurity will have the opportunity to meet influential members of the plant protection industry and increase their knowledge of the sector.
“This mentoring service will provide students with a way into the industry, linking them with mentors that can advise them and introduce them to useful contacts to help them continue on their career path, “ says Jamieson.
The NZPPS website has more information on the scheme http://nzpps.org/index.php
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
Lydia Goodman has been crowned the Central Otago 2025 Young Grower of the Year regional winner.
More Māori land is being used for growing commercial fruit and vegetables, according to a new report commissioned by Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Hawke's Bay teenage entrepreneur Hugo Moffett is helping the rural community access cheaper school uniforms, all without leaving their homes.
A large Māori-owned kiwifruit business that was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle has bounced back with a vengeance.
OPINION: Farmers are rightly urging the Government to relax the rules around KiwiSaver and allow young farmers to use their savings towards purchasing either a house, cows or a farm.
Winning the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year still hasn't sunk in for Thomas and Fiona Langford.
The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there is far from rosy.
Doctors and rural women are welcoming the recent pre-budget announcement from the Government that it would be boosting funding to urgent and afterhours care facilities.
Over 300 farmers and rural professionals have gathered in Hamilton for the first DairyNZ Farmers Forum for this year.
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…
