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Horticulture NZ Leadership Programme

2025 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.

The next programme will run across two phases:
  • Phase One 11 – 15 August (Auckland)
  • Phase Two 15 – 17 October (Wellington)

Applications close midnight, 4 July. Applicants will be notified no later than 11 July 2025.

More programme information coming soon.

12

scholarships available

18

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 and business 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 team

Dr Scott Champion

HortNZ Leadership Programme Facilitator

Dr Scott Champion is an experienced leader, strategist, facilitator and executive manager. He is passionate about identifying, creating and connecting strongly with ‘communities of interest’ and clients to build effective products and services that make a difference in the primary sector.

More about Scott
Dr Scott Champion - HortNZ Programme

Programme dates

The programme is delivered in two phases that span nine weeks starting 11 August and finishing 17 October 2025:

  • Phase one: 5 days (11 – 15 August 2025, Auckland)
  • Phase two: 3 days (15-17 October 2025, Wellington)
  • Personal leadership plan: six weeks over the programme

Programme cost

Horticulture New Zealand is offering 12 scholarships. These scholarships cover all programme fees and accommodation costs.

There will also be up to six positions available for a programme fee of $5,000 +GST.

All successful applicants will be called on to meet the travel costs for one trip to and from Auckland or Tauranga, 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.”

Full testimonial

Application process

All applicants must full out their own online application form. To start this, first register your interest below. Applications 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 18 participants. Applications will be reviewed as they’re received and those that meet the selection criteria will be approved on a first-come first-served basis until the programme is full.

Unsuccessful applicants are free and encouraged to re-apply for entry into subsequent programmes.

All applicants will be notified no later than 11 July 2025.

If you have any questions about the application process, or the programme, contact Dr Lyndsey Dance, Programmes Manager at lyndseydance@ruralleaders.co.nz.

Registration of interest

To start your application or to find out more about the programme, please register your interest by filling in the form below.

Once submitted, you’ll receive an application form link via email. We’ll keep you informed about any updates to the programme and send more information in the weeks that follow.

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