Zespri has announced two new $15,000 scholarships to encourage New Zealand's top secondary students to pursue a career in the country's fast-growing kiwifruit industry.

Zespri general manager grower and external relations Dave Courtney says Zespri are looking to support and encourage tomorrow's leaders into the horticulture sector.

Zespri general manager grower and external relations Dave Courtney. Photo: Supplied.

'Kiwifruit is a global business,” says Dave. 'Our industry earned $1.6 billion in sales revenue last year and we're set to grow strongly over coming years.

'We need to make sure we're bringing in the best young people to help our industry excel in the future.

'The kiwifruit sector offers great career options for young people to grow, innovate and lead in the future and these Zespri scholarships are one of the ways we're attracting tomorrow's top talent.

'The scholarship is not just about financial support – the recipients get to see the industry from the inside.”

The funding contributes to university tuition fees of up to $5,000 a year for three years and Zespri scholars are supported and mentored through their studies, as well as having the chance to network with industry leaders.

Recipients will also help promote the horticulture sector through open days and career events.

'We're looking for excellent students who can show us their leadership potential, as well how they plan to contribute to our industry,” adds Dave.

The scholarships are worth $15,000 over three years. Two positions are available each year and applications for the 2016 scholarships close on Friday, October 9.

Scholarships are aimed at secondary students about to start their tertiary studies and complement the graduate recruitment scheme, which offers recent graduates a 12-month contract working across the different parts of Zespri's business. For more information, go to: www.zespri.com

To be eligible, applicants must be NCEA Level 3 endorsed with merit or higher, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and registered in full-time tertiary study at a New Zealand University by March 31 in the year of the award.

Applicants must also maintain an academic grade average of B+ or higher throughout the course of the scholarship.