Nuffield New Zealand

21/08/2026

We're looking forward to awarding the 2027 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships at Parliament on 3 November.

This is just a few days before the election.

Adding to the excitement, our 200th Nuffield Scholar will receive their award on the night.

Will you be on stage in November?

“I think if you’re curious about trends and opportunities in agriculture, and you want to make a difference in New Zealand for our primary industries, Nuffield is the pinnacle of what you can do.” James Allen, 2023 Nuffield Scholar

If you have any issues with your online application over the weekend, get in touch with us via the Rural Leaders website.

Apply now, https://ruralleaders.co.nz/nuffield-new-zealand-farming-scholarship-application/

14/08/2026

There's just over one week to go to apply for the Nuffield year of life-changing personal and professional growth.

Enough time to submit a strong application.

"I would encourage people who want to disrupt themselves in a positive way to apply." Jenna Smith, 2024 Nuffield Scholar.

Apply here by midnight 23 August, https://ruralleaders.co.nz/nuffield-new-zealand-farming-scholarship-application/

Good luck with your application.

27/07/2026

A Nuffield Scholarship opens doors to some of the world's most innovative thinkers, businesses and farming systems.

It offers a unique opportunity to discover new insights, develop foresight, grow influence, and make a positive impact across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

Nuffield connects you to a global family, opening doors to you – often their own.

“The hospitality of those Nuffielders overseas has been quite humbling. You do become part of a bigger family.” Jon Pemberton, 2025 Nuffield Scholar.

If you'd like to learn more about the programme or register your interest, visit: https://ruralleaders.co.nz/application-nuffield/

Applications close 23 August 2026.

24/06/2026

This year’s Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards focused on the insights, analysis, and debates shaping how we navigate future challenges and opportunities.

The Awards recognised the following Rural Leaders programme alumni:

Congratulations to Jim van der Poel (Nuffield 2002), winner of the Outstanding Contribution to NZ’s Primary Industries Award.

Sandra Faulkner (Nuffield 2012) was a finalist for the Rural Woman of the Year Award.

Hamish Marr (Nuffield 2019) was a finalist for Agricultural Communicator of the Year.

10/06/2026

Birgit and Jon Pemberton (2025 Nuffield Scholar) are converting a neighbouring farm to complement and expand their existing dairy platform in Southland.

This DairyNZ Field Day style event is for, dairy farmers considering conversion, expansion or system redesign, sheep & beef farmers exploring land use change and rural professionals who support farmers with environmental decisions and consenting.

The Pembertons will share how they approached the conversion decision, planning a complex project, building a new 54-bale rotary, feed pad and silage pad, designing and integrating a large wetland to manage nutrients for consents, and much more.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or w**d.

Lunch/BBQ provided.

Register here, https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/dairynzconz-agbsb/pages/7frq0mbefgxmbfveddjw.html?PageId=abfefaed9b49f111bec66045bde74327

Jon's video can be viewed here, https://www.facebook.com/reel/1011573818050420

29/05/2026

Shaped by the insights they uncover, the foresight they develop, and the influence they build, Nuffield Scholars seek to make a positive impact on our food and fibre sector.

Applications for the 2027 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships are open.

To learn more, register your interest, or to apply head to https://ruralleaders.co.nz/nuffield-farming-scholarships/

18/05/2026

If you know someone in your network (or your team) who might be interested in developing their leadership skills in horticulture. Please share.

Applications for the HortNZ Leadership Programme close 28 June.

Applications for the 2026 Leadership Programme are open until 28 June.

There are 12 scholarships available. These scholarships cover programme fees and accommodation costs and are open to levy paying organisations and their employees.

There are also up to four positions available for a programme fee of $5,000 +GST plus accommodation.

2025 programme alum, Ethan Gillespie (Associate Agronomist, Brownrigg Agriculture Group Ltd.), is one such leader. Of the programme Ethan says,

"The HortNZ Leadership Programme gave me a broader understanding of the horticulture industry, from both the commercial side and the wider government perspective...
..I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in the future direction and decision-making of our sector, even if leadership is still relatively new to you."

To register your interest, or to apply, head to https://ruralleaders.co.nz/hortnz-leadership-programme/

24/04/2026

Are you a Nuffield alum interested in getting out in front of industry to speak? We know industry would like to hear from you.

If you’d like to sign up to the Rural Leaders Speakers Directory, head to a short form at the link below and we’ll get you onboard quickly.

You can sign up here https://ruralleaders.co.nz/speaker-roi/

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Looking for a speaker at your next event?

Our Speakers Directory has alumni who want to share their passion and knowledge on their areas of expertise.

So, if you’re looking for an engaging Primary Industries speaker, take a look at our directory here, https://ruralleaders.co.nz/speakers/

Can’t find a speaker for the specialist topic area you’re after? Get in touch with us at the above link and we may be able to connect you with other programme alums.