Open day attracts dozens of students

1 April, 2008

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND : MEDIA RELEASES 2008

More than 70 Northland secondary students were introduced to the horticulture industry recently. The Northland ‘ICELine – Cool Careers in Horticulture' was held at the Satara packhouse at Glenbervie prior to Easter. Students from horticulture, science, commerce and geography classes were invited to ICELine and the event attracted students from seven Northland schools.

During the open day, students learnt about the different career paths available within the horticulture industry. Several young Northland horticulturalists told of their horticulture career stories. They included Dominique Zivkovich-Brady, who is only 21, but recently placed 2 nd in the National Young Fruitgrower of the Year competition; and Karauria Ratapu, who is an Assistant Orchard Manager at just 24 years old.

Workshops were then held on science, technology, marketing and business management, as well as more hands-on concepts such as growing and picking. The students spoke to and worked with people currently working in the industry, including landscape architects, orchard owners, packhouse managers and exporters.

“The aim was to show students that there is a lot more to horticulture than just picking and packing,” says Duane Wells, Chair of the Northland Horticulture Forum. “The horticulture industry is diverse and vibrant, and there are a range of career options available right here in Northland.”

“We want to encourage students to look at horticulture as a viable career and business opportunity. Some of the roles involve tertiary training, while others involve apprenticeships and on-the-job training. There's a role to suit everyone.”

HortITO, the industry training organisation, also provided one scholarship for each school that attended the open day, valued at $650 each.

Currently, the horticulture sector is Northland's third largest primary industry sector, contributing around $300 million to the regional economy. It has more than 1000 business owners and employs over 1700 people on a seasonal and fulltime basis.

Northland grows 90% of New Zealand 's entire kumara crop, 30% of avocado and citrus crops and 25% of cymbidium orchids. Industry experts predict that Northland's avocado production could grow to the point where it rivals avocado production in the Bay of Plenty . Fruit and vegetable production also includes kiwifruit, persimmons, capsicums, courgettes, melons, squash, grapes, olives and flowers. To support this growth, a large number of skilled workers will be needed.

Mr Wells said the Northland Horticulture Forum was pleased with the turnout, and the event will be held again in 2009, in the Far North. The open day was a joint venture between the Northland Horticulture Forum and Horticulture New Zealand.

ICELine – proudly brought to Northland by the Northland Horticulture Forum and Horticulture NZ. In 2006 the Northland Horticulture Employment and Training Forum brought together industry and stakeholders to discuss future development of the sector. The Northland Horticulture Forum was formed from this event and meets regularly to act as a steering group to champion the development of the Northland horticulture industry.