Zespri has launched a new scholarship for up to five students each year studying Massey University's Bachelor of Horticultural Science degree.
Dr Kylie Phillips, Zespri's innovation team leader — supply chain, explains the Zespri Science Scholarships are aimed at students considering a career in the fast-growing kiwifruit industry.
The scholarships are each worth up to $15,000 over three years and include mentoring opportunities and exposure to and support from the wider industry.
"Zespri is on track to nearly double global sales from 2010 levels to $4.5 billion by 2025 and we can only do this by attracting the right people with the right skills," Dr Phillips says.
"Zespri's extensive research and development programme is building scientific understanding of how best to grow and deliver premium quality kiwifruit to consumers all over the world. Technology and science are changing our industry and the horticulturalists of tomorrow will need different skillsets from the growers and postharvest operators of today.