$15k scholarships launched for secondary students

Dave Courtney. Photo/Supplied

Zespri has announced two new $15,000 scholarships to encourage New Zealand's top secondary students to pursue a career in New Zealand's fast-growing kiwifruit industry.

Zespri general manager grower and external relations Dave Courtney said Zespri was looking to support and encourage tomorrow's leaders into the horticulture sector.

"Kiwifruit is a global business, our industry earned $1.6 billion in sales revenue last year and we're set to grow strongly over coming years.

"We need to make sure we're bringing in the best young people to help our industry excel in the future. The kiwifruit sector offers great career options for young people to grow, innovate and lead in the future and these Zespri scholarships are one of the ways we're attracting tomorrow's top talent.

"The scholarship is not just about financial support - the recipients get to see the industry from the inside."

The funding contributed to university tuition fees up to $5,000 a year for three years and the Zespri scholars would be supported and mentored through their studies, as well as having the chance to network with industry leaders.

Recipients would also help promote the horticulture sector through open days and career events.

"We're looking for excellent students who can show us their leadership potential, as well how they plan to contribute to our industry."

The scholarships were worth $15,000 over three years. Two positions were available each year and applications for the 2016 scholarships close on October 9.

The scholarships were aimed at secondary students about to start their tertiary studies and to complement the graduate recruitment scheme, which offered recent graduates a 12-month contract working across the different parts of Zespri's business.

For more information, go to www.zespri.com.

Eligibility and criteria for applicants

* NCEA Level 3 endorsed with merit or higher

* A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident

* Registered in full-time tertiary study at a New Zealand University by 31 March in the year of the award

* Must maintain an academic grade average of B+ or higher throughout the course of the scholarship