HortNZ Opens Applications for 2026 Leadership Programme Scholarships
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is inviting applications for scholarships places on its 2026 Leadership Programme.
Prime Minister John Key congratulated the horticulture industry for its great advancement in the last few years.
Last year the industry grew about 17% to reach $5 billion and it had the ambitious goal of getting to $10 billion by 2020, he told the Horticulture NZ conference in Nelson today, via a video message.
"That fits in with the government's role of wanting to double exports by 2025.
"There are a lot of great things happening in your sector, it is fantastic to see kiwifruit coming back from the terrible effects of Psa; good to see the significant investment in areas like apples."
He was in Motueka recently looking at the hops sector. "There is certainly a lot happening, and the government of course is working very hard to try and open up new markets. The Korea FTA was an important one from the tariffs perspective, TPP will certainly help, if we can get better access to Europe that's a big advantage and also the Gulf States."
He said he knew the horticulture sector was very focussed on research and development and science and technology – bringing the best techniques to both growing the fruit and making sure that it gets to market in the best possible condition.
Wool Impact and ASB have signed a new partnership with the bank set to provide financial backing to support the revitalisation of New Zealand's strong wool industry.
OPINION: Farmers have been clear: it is getting harder, not easier, to find and keep good people.
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
As fuel and fertiliser prices rise and with uncertainty in the future, farmers are being urged to go over their budgets with a fine-tooth comb.
Federated Farmers says reforms of local government announced last week will be music to farmers' ears.
Hinehou Timutimu, the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, says she feels privileged to have won the award.