Growing NZ

30/06/2022

Changes ahead for GrowingNZ

GrowingNZ (PICA) was established in 2014 for industry, government and educators with a shared vision to work together to attract and grow a diverse range of talented people in our food & fibre sectors. Over the years, we’ve had great successes in delivering on our goals, assisted by a lot of wonderful people who shared our passion about opportunities in the food & fibre sector.

Eight years on, we are living and working in a different world from when PICA was established, although our food & fibre sectors still face shortages in our workforce. Dramatic changes in our operating environment mean it’s time to close PICA’s doors and hand over the torch to other food & fibre organisations and groups. They will continue much of our work. Many of our resources and programmes and opportunities to collaborate will continue to be available through other organisations as such the Ministry for Primary Industries, Muka Tangata, the Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE), and the Food & Fibre Capability Forum.

Thanks for all your support.

He aha te mea nui o te ao
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

22/06/2022

Get your career off to a good start - apply for a gas programme!

Applications close 11 July 2022

15/06/2022

"As a business, we knew we were in a good place with a good team, but I’ve always been interested in people and psychology, and I’m always keen to have new tools in my box." - Mark Guscott, Great Employer

Add to your toolbox and help your workplace go from good to great. Learn from great employers in our sector who are making changes to create a good workplace and be part of

https://www.growingnz.org.nz/great-workplaces/case-studies/mark-guscott

09/06/2022

The journey to a rewarding career in our sector can take many shapes and forms - it's often tricky figuring out where to even start!

Olivia from Beef + Lamb New Zealand with hosts this cool new podcast, talking to young professionals from across the sector to help you figure it out. Hear about their journey into the sector, and (hopefully!) get inspired yourself and consider taking up a career in our resilient food & fibre sectors!

Find it wherever you get your podcasts - try this one for starters 👇
https://open.spotify.com/show/2GL3gSntSxlstPlc1FCFk6

07/06/2022

Get ahead of the game, and find out how the movers and shakers in are tackling global climate and sustainability issues.

It's not too late to get tickets for E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit!

03/06/2022

Applications for Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – (Forestry Scholarships) are now open for study beginning 2023. Help grow your career in .

If you're interested in helping New Zealand reach its climate change goals, protecting our country’s biodiversity, or creating a sustainable environment, then a career in forestry could be for you!

Applications close 15 August (degree scholarships) or 16 December (diploma scholarships).

For more information and to apply, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/forestryscholarships

02/06/2022

Careers in are inspirational. Share your passion for what you do and inspire the next generation with Inspiring the Future Aotearoa.

This week we are showcasing Inspiring the Future role model Jack Keeys. If you have a job likes Jacks, where it's a bit different and therefore hard for kids to find out about, then join him in opening tamariki's eyes to the opportunity. Find out more https://bit.ly/3DbJZPS

𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛.
I’m an Agri-food specialist at KPMG, which means I get to do all sorts of interesting things for a job. One part of my job is managing the KPMG Global Agri-network, which means co-ordinating activities with leaders across 50 different countries. Another part of my job is writing newsletters, articles and special reports, as well as speaking at conferences about topics like the future of food. I also do advisory and consulting for small and large businesses across New Zealand.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛?
Working in agri-food means that every single day involves a bit of science, technology, business and other topics which is always fascinating. Best of all, the projects are always focused on helping to feed the world with more nutritious, environmentally friendly and high-value food – meaning I get to make an impact through my work every day.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥?
I wanted to share job opportunities and career paths that are a bit different – as often it’s difficult to find out about job opportunities like mine, but there is a huge demand for people in the food and fibre (or agriculture and horticulture) sectors.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰?
My biggest challenge has always been deciding what’s the best opportunity to do! The agri-food sector has so many scholarships, travel opportunities and amazing career options that as long as you work hard and have a genuine commitment to making the world a better place- the opportunities are endless.

26/05/2022

Take a look at the finalists in the Primary Industries Good Employer Awards 👇👇

The sector is full of awesome people who are and what a way to celebrate those going above and beyond 🙌

This inaugural 2022 award recognises employers who have put in place initiatives to support an inclusive and diverse culture.

18/05/2022

Take the next step in your career in and check out this internship programme with Ballance Agri-Nutrients

Our sales internship programme offers promising graduates an exciting hands-on experience that prepares them for the role of Nutrient Specialist within our sales team. Applications for our 2023 intake are now open so if you'd like to be an intern at Ballance, take a look at this page of our website https://ballance.co.nz/career-opportunities.

09/05/2022

“Our voices matter, and we deserve to be heard!”

It's , and we're celebrating the valuable contributions young people bring to the workplace. Lochiel Station in Canterbury appreciates the innovation young apprentices bring to the farm. By supporting their learning, apprentices are able to apply what they've picked up in the classroom to what's going on on-farm. It's a win-win for everyone!

Find out how you can be part of with young people through Primary ITO and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

If you’re interested in enrolling with us, this page tells you about eligibility, how to enrol, what support you can get, and more...

29/04/2022

Weekend plans? How about signing up to be an Inspiring the Future Aotearoa role model?

As part of Techweek NZ, there will be two Inspiring the Future online events scheduled, and we know that there are some snazzy roles out there in .

Have you got what it takes? This is your opportunity to inspire tamariki across Aotearoa to dream BIG.

Register your interest at https://techweek.co.nz/whats-on/programme/view/inspiring-the-future-aotearoa-292/

27/04/2022

"Our commitment to health and safety is driven by our staff and contractors on the ground, and it’s ingrained in our culture. We all share the responsibility for health and safety. It’s not seen as an add-on." - Zac Robinson, Port Blakely.

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work and International Workers’ Memorial Day - a day to remember those who haven’t made it home from work. Everyone can do their part to improve the health and safety culture in their workplace - workers, managers, employers, and leaders - act together to build a positive safety and health culture.

For more inspiration and resources to help you make your workplace a great workplace, check out https://www.growingnz.org.nz/great-workplaces

Based in Timaru, Zac Robinson is the Health, Safety and Environment Manager for forest owners and managers Port Blakely. The company won the Safe and Healthy Work Environment award at MPI’s Good Employer Awards in 2021. He shares how creating a health and safety culture in partnership with their s...