2026 Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship. Apply by 17 August 2025. Read More...

Apply for 2026 Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship by 17 August 2025. More details...

careers

Ben Aiken

This research project seeks to understand how young dairy farmers in
Northland have got ahead and to learn from their examples and experiences.

Whitney Conder

This report seeks to ensure that Central Otago’s horticulture industry remains robust, sustainable, and attractive to both current and future professionals.

Louis Batley

This report aims to understand the benefits of using the Harvard Case Method (HCM), with particular reference to the Strategic Thinking for Agrifood Management Programme, for early career stage leadership development.
Sarah McKenzie Kellogg 48

Sarah McKenzie

This study looked at what is important for thriving early career development for rural professionals in skilled technical support roles in agribusiness. It aimed to understand the options and designs for early career development and the key features of a successful graduate programme. The methodology included a literature review, followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 early to mid-career employees and eight agribusiness support companies to understand expectations and perspectives from their experiences.

Kylie Phillips

By the year 2020, over $1.6 billion of New Zealand taxpayer money will be invested in science and innovation per annum. What share will Primary Industries have of this investment?  “With the coming of the fourth industrial revolution – fundamental change to our daily personal and professional lives from the combination of physical, digital and … Read more

Dave O'Sullivan

According to the UN, food production must double by 2050 to meet the demand of the world’s growing population. Innovative strategies are needed to help combat hunger, which already affects more than one billion people in the world. (un.org 2009) The world is changing and I believe the historical poor perceptions of the primary sector … Read more

Simon Van Der Heyden

The New Zealand dairy industry has a broad range of career opportunities for people who are focused and disciplined to work their way through the stages of success. This report examines the pathways and steps to wealth creation within the dairy industry.  Research shows that career progression is not as clear cut in today’s environment … Read more

Matthew Pepper

Something seems wrong with the 50/50 contract because it is in decline. Sharemilking in New Zealand has been the main stepping stone up the Dairy Industry career pathway into farm ownership since the early 1900s. It has been a way of learning skills and at the same time building valuable equity for a dairy farmer … Read more

Weir Bruce

The purpose of this report was to look at opportunities for young managers within the dry stock industry and to determine in my opinion whether there is a clear career path or not. And if there is a path, what does the young manager and the industry as a whole, have to do to ensure … Read more

Jennifer McDonald

Rising land values in New Zealand's dairy industry have made traditional farm ownership increasingly unattainable, creating a critical gap between employee career expectations and industry realities that now threatens workforce retention and long-term sustainability.

Knowles Katrina

In years gone by farming was looked at as a life style option for people who wanted to work outside. It was not considered to be a desirable career option for most but was for those who had no other options. It involved hard work and long hours. Today farming is looked at as a … Read more

Stevenson Geoff, K

The aim of this project is to create discussion, about the issue’s confronting the people who are in management positions on the large dairy units in Canterbury. Once they have reached this position what is the next step for them. These are real issues that are facing these people and they will have ramifications on … Read more

Udy, Nigel

New Zealand’s economic success is dependent upon the success of its agricultural industry. In turn agriculture’s success in New Zealand is dependent upon a skilled, motivated, well trained and educated work force. Statistics indicate that numbers of students enrolling in full time agricultural qualifications dropped significantly in the late 1990’s and early 2000 compared to … Read more

Buchanan Conall

Sharemilking is a contractual arrangement where one party (the farm owner) provides the infrastructure required for dairy farming, and the other (the sharemilker) provides the physical labour, management skills and some of the chattels or livestock required to operate the farm. Under the 50% agreement the sharemilker owns the herd, plant and mobile equipment. The … Read more

Barbara Kuriger

Dairy industry needs 5000 workers by 2005. Despite high unemployment, attracting staff is challenging. Targeting school leavers may help meet future demands.