Our horticulture sector is experiencing rapid growth. The 2026 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme helps prepare you, or your employee, to capture the opportunities and to address the challenges this growth creates.
The programme is delivered by Rural Leaders in two phases over nine weeks:
Phase One 10 – 14 August (Auckland)
Phase Two 21 – 23 October (Wellington)
The programme is designed for potential and current leaders in the fruit and vegetable industry. They will primarily be growers, their team members, or from organisations aligned with growing.
It is open to those who have demonstrated leadership or leadership potential and a willingness to take on responsibility.
The Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme gives you:
- increased confidence to take the lead and influence into the future
- a greater understanding of leadership
- ‘ready to use’ leadership skills, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving
- a wider perspective and understanding of how to address industry issues – now and in the future
- an awareness of strategy, and how to use it
- self-knowledge and your own personal plan
- the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other emerging and current influential leaders
Horticulture New Zealand is offering 12 scholarships. These scholarships cover all programme fees and accommodation costs.
There are also up to six positions available for a programme fee of $5,000 +GST plus accommodation.
Applications for the 2026 programme will close midnight, 28 June.
Register your interest to receive updates or apply online here.
