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New Zealand Horticulture is known for innovation, the application of science, and finding clever solutions. Careers in Horticulture have an increasing requirement for skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines.
New Zealand Horticulture is known for innovation, the application of science, and finding clever solutions. Careers in Horticulture have an increasing requirement for skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines.
NZ horticulture is an 8.5 billion dollar industry, exporting around 60% of its total production to about 120 countries. Horticulture is New Zealand’s fourth-largest export industry. Kiwifruit alone accounts for more than 3.5 billion dollars in export earnings and 80% of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit comes from the Bay of Plenty.
NZ horticulture is an 8.5 billion dollar industry, exporting around 60% of its total production to about 120 countries. Horticulture is New Zealand’s fourth-largest export industry. Kiwifruit alone accounts for more than 3.5 billion dollars in export earnings and 80% of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit comes from the Bay of Plenty.
*Stats from 2025
According to Horticulture New Zealand, an industry association representing New Zealand's 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers, “In horticulture, we want people with diverse skill sets; the more diverse the better. Technology and innovation are driving horticulture’s spectacular growth in New Zealand – our exports have grown in value 40% in the past two years. To continue this growth, we need all sorts of expertise and skills, including IT specialists, software architects, engineers of every sort and persuasion, roboticists, biochemists, food technologists, packaging technicians, agronomists, scientists, marketers, supply chain managers, accountants, lawyers, communication specialists, and of course, those skilled in horticulture. Not only that, but our growth means that those with the right skills will be paid well for those skills.”
According to Horticulture New Zealand, an industry association representing New Zealand's 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers, “In horticulture, we want people with diverse skill sets; the more diverse the better. Technology and innovation are driving horticulture’s spectacular growth in New Zealand – our exports have grown in value 40% in the past two years. To continue this growth, we need all sorts of expertise and skills, including IT specialists, software architects, engineers of every sort and persuasion, roboticists, biochemists, food technologists, packaging technicians, agronomists, scientists, marketers, supply chain managers, accountants, lawyers, communication specialists, and of course, those skilled in horticulture. Not only that, but our growth means that those with the right skills will be paid well for those skills.”
There are huge opportunities for young people in horticulture. There is a growing demand for skilled workers in the horticulture industry. There is also a shortage of graduates with university qualifications who are able to lead innovative practice in horticulture, and by 2025 the industry is expected to need nearly 30,000 workers with post-school qualifications. That is nearly double how many there are right now.
There are huge opportunities for young people in horticulture. There is a growing demand for skilled workers in the horticulture industry. There is also a shortage of graduates with university qualifications who are able to lead innovative practice in horticulture, and by 2025 the industry is expected to need nearly 30,000 workers with post-school qualifications. That is nearly double how many there are right now.
Image acknowledgement: Ministry of Primary Industries
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