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 22 June, 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 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.
Dr Scott Champion
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.
Scott has worked across tertiary education, innovative organisations in the private sector, and industry service delivery and advocacy for more than 20 years. He has also held governance and technical advisory roles in the primary sector, not for profit and community organisations.
In April 2016, he completed a decade working for the national sheep and beef industry body, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the last 7.5 years as Chief Executive Officer. He was also concurrently Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Meat Board for this period.
Since May 2016, Scott has been consulting across food, agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources. In June 2017 he co-founded the consulting practice Primary Purpose, drawing on a mix of disciplines, and combining data and information with human centred insights for clients in the primary sector.
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 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 18 participants.
Applications close midnight, Sunday 6 July 2025. You’ll be notified whether you’re successful, or unsuccessful this time, 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.
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.