2026 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme Scholarships.
About the Programme
Horticulture is growing. The industry has ambitious goals such as doubling the farmgate value of production in a way that improves the prosperity for our people and protects our environment.
The Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme will help prepare you or your employee to successfully capture the opportunities and address the challenges that this growth offers.
Phase 1 (Auckland): 10th – 14th August Phase 2 (Wellington): 21st – 23rd October
Applications are open for the 2026 programme. Applications close midnight, Sunday 28 June.
12
scholarships available
16
participants
320
graduates
since 2002
Programme outcomes
At the end of the programme you will have:
- an 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, understanding of how to address industry issues – now and into the future
- gained an awareness of strategy, and how to use it
- self-knowledge and your own personal plan to go forward
- had the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other like-minded emerging and current influential leaders
Delivery
Erin Simpson
HortNZ Leadership Programme Facilitator
Erin Simpson is a senior horticulture leader with more than three decades of experience spanning growing, post-harvest operations, national advocacy, and governance…
Erin Simpson
Erin Simpson is a senior horticulture leader with more than three decades of experience spanning growing, post-harvest operations, national advocacy, and governance. Beginning his career in Waitara in the early 1980s, he developed deep sector expertise through leadership roles in Christchurch, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay before going on to become a grower, manager, and business owner.
Erin is deeply committed to leadership development, industry extension, and supporting the next generation of horticulture leaders, with a strong focus on succession planning and mentorship.
He is proud of his whakapapa, with connections to Taranaki through his father of Te Ātiawa iwi and Ngāti Tawhirikura hapū, and to England through his mother, who was raised in Whanganui and whose family roots trace back to Salisbury, Wiltshire.
A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Erin brings thoughtful, well-informed governance leadership to workforce development and sustainable sector performance. He lives in Mangateretere with his partner, Clare, and has three sons living around the world.
Programme dates
The programme is delivered in two phases that span nine weeks starting 10th August and finishing 23rd October 2026:
Phase 1 (Auckland): 10th – 14th August
Phase 2 (Wellington): 21st – 23rd October
Personal leadership plan: six weeks over the programme
Applications for the 2026 programme will close midnight, 28 June.
Programme cost
Horticulture New Zealand is offering 12 scholarships open to levy paying organisations and their employees. These scholarships cover all programme fees and accommodation costs.
There will also be up to four positions available for a programme fee of $5,000 +GST plus accommodation.
All successful applicants will be called on to meet the travel costs for one trip to and from Auckland, and one trip to and from Wellington, and are responsible for all their own travel arrangements to attend the two in-person phases.
Accommodation will be booked for all participants to secure special rates. It is expected that all participants live and work together during the in-person phases of the programme.
Non-scholarship participants will be invoiced for accommodation with the programme fee, and is payable before each phase. Accommodation is booked at a medium level hotel at a special rate and can be single or twin share basis.
The room rate is approximately $175 per night.
The course fee for non-scholarship participants must be paid prior to programme commencement. An invoice is issued upon acceptance on the programme. In special circumstances an alternative payment schedule may be agreed to.
A cancellation fee may apply once you have accepted a place on the programme.
Participant profile
The programme is designed for potential and current leaders in the fruit and vegetable industry. Participants will primarily, but not exclusively, be growers or their employees or from organisations closely associated with growing.
The programme is aimed all age groups and is open to NZ citizens or permanent residents who have demonstrated leadership or leadership potential and a willingness to assume responsibility in grower or industry matters.
Testimonial
Justin Wehner
Operations Manager, Tasman
“…The opportunity to grow, learn from current industry leaders, speak with Ministers, and connect with others who share the same passion for New Zealand’s rural and horticultural industries has been truly inspiring.”
Justin Wehner Operations Manager, Tasman
“…The opportunity to grow, learn from current industry leaders, speak with Ministers, and connect with others who share the same passion for New Zealand’s rural and horticultural industries has been truly inspiring.
The insights and skills gained through this program will not only help me navigate the challenges ahead but also enable me to contribute more effectively to the success and sustainability of our primary industries.
Programs like these are critical for the future of New Zealand’s primary sector. They help cultivate strong, forward-thinking leaders who are equipped to tackle the evolving challenges we face, from climate change to market shifts and overall management…
…To anyone considering this scholarship, absolutely go for it! It truly widens your perspective and challenges your way of thinking and leadership.
Thank you again, Horticulture New Zealand and Rural Leaders, for this invaluable experience. Here’s to the future of leadership in our vibrant primary sector.”
Application process
All applicants will need to fill out an online application form. You can apply as soon as you’re ready.
If you’re not quite ready, no problem, you can register your interest below in the meantime. This will help us keep you up to date on programme details.
When you are ready to apply, your application will need to include a photo (a headshot) and the contact details of two HortNZ levy payers (commercial fruit and vegetable growers) to support your application.
The programme is limited to 16 participants.
If you have any questions about the application process or the programme, contact Dr. Lyndsey Dance, Programmes Manager at lyndseydance@ruralleaders.co.nz
Applications close midnight, Sunday 22 June 2025. You’ll be notified whether you’re successful, or unsuccessful this time, a few days after applications close.
Just want to register your interest?
Please register your interest by filling in the short form below.
Once submitted, you’ll receive an email giving you the link to apply. Save this email. Alternatively, you can come back to this page and apply at any time.