PLANT CAREERS NEWS

Education is at a critical point

The next few months will determine how our workforce is trained in the future. Decisions to be made in the vocational education space present the opportunity to fix the longstanding issues and frustrations with the system.

Visit Plant Careers at Fieldays 2026!

The Plant Careers stand is back at the Fieldays Careers & Education Hub. This year is going to be another fantastic one with the support of Zealandia who are again generously donating seedlings.

Young Plant Producer of the Year winner announced!

On a milestone 30 years of the Young Plant Producer competition, the four 2026 finalists undertook two days of challenges as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference.

Finalists for Young Plant Producer competition announced

The competition will take place at Karaka on 20-21 May as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner.

2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year a win for New Zealand’s plant producers

Plant producer Jake Linklater has won the sector-wide 2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year.

Applications are open for On Farm Support Science Scholarships

Are you a tertiary student who’s keen to join the agricultural and horticultural advisory sector - or do you know one? Applications close at 5pm on 15 September 2025.

We have our Young Plant Producer 2025!

Jake Linklater from the Nova Trust nursery, Nova Natives in Templeton, has been named as the 2025 Young Plant Producer of the Year.

Celebrate our future leaders – Young Plant Producer 2025 Awards Dinner

Join us in celebrating the next generation of horticulture leaders at the Young Plant Producer Awards Dinner, taking place on Wednesday 25 June at The Famous Grouse, Lincoln.

Young Plant Producer 2025 finalists announced

We are delighted to announce our five finalists for the 2025 Young Plant Producer competition

Young Plant Producer 2025 applications open today - March 10

Encourage your young stars to shine! 🌱✨ This year's competition takes place at Lincoln University on June 24th & 25th so encourage your younger team members to apply by March 31. If they’re 30 or under by December 31, 2025, and working in the plant production industry, they’re eligible to enter.

A new direction for vocational education: Industry Skills Boards announced

Last year, NZPPI contributed to the consultation process on the Government’s proposed reforms to New Zealand’s vocational education and training system. On 20 December 2024, the Government revealed its plans, marking a significant shift in how vocational training will be structured.

Our 2023 Young Plant Producer Lydia O'Dowd recounts her international work travels

Lydia used her YPP and Young Hort winnings to visit overseas plant production operations and build on her horticultural knowledge.

New Food and Fibre employer toolkit now available

The Food and Fibre CoVE has launched a new resource for employers, managers, and supervisors in the primary industries.

Our Young Plant Producer of the Year, Anna England, is the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year

Our Young Plant Producer of the Year, Anna England, was named the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year at the event dinner in Auckland last night (Oct 31)

Girls Who Grow: Cultivating Future Leaders at Akura Nursery

As part of the "Girls Who Grow" programme, Rachel Scanlan, nursery manager at Akura Nursery in Masterton, is connecting young women with the plant production sector.

Govt apprentice boost payment to continue for plant producer employers

A recent Government announcement has confirmed that plant producers employers can still benefit from the Apprenticeship Boost initiative in 2025 but only for first year apprentices.

Fraser Award winner: Paige Brewster

Paige Brewster from Norfork Rd Nursery in Wairarapa received the 2024 Fraser Award.

Government champions women in horticulture with new support initiatives

An initiative that supports networking and career progression of women in horticulture has received state funding.

MPI scholarships available

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is expanding a scholarship programme for tertiary students as part of its efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers, producers and growers.

Scholarships available: check if you or your team members are eligible

The Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) has put together a list of scholarships available in the food and fibre sectors.