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Graduate programme

Be part of our purpose

Fast-track your career and help kiwifruit to reach families around the world. This is an exciting opportunity to enjoy project-based learning while you spend time in each of our eight business units. You'll develop your practical kiwifruit production skills, technical knowledge, business and commercial acumen, and leadership attributes.
Southern Cross Horticulture

Be part of an industry leader

Be part of an industry leader Southern Cross Horticulture is one of New Zealand’s most successful orchard developers and producers of SunGold kiwifruit. We are the only fully-integrated kiwifruit development business in the world and cover the entire life-cycle of an orchard. Our mission is to create the world’s best kiwifruit orchards, and we need talented people on our team. You can learn more about our family-owned business here.

The qualifications you need

You'll need a university degree, usually in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, AgriCommerce or AgriBusiness, or environmental management.

You'll also need a great attitude, an appetite to learn and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
A unique business model, Liberty Orchard Developed By Southern Cross Horticulture in Bay of Plenty

The people we need

• Future leaders who take pride in a job well done
• People with a keen interest in horticulture and the kiwifruit industry
• Individuals who share our values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork
• Good communicators who can build strong relationships
• Hard-working, punctual, adaptable, and motivated individuals with a can-do attitude
• People who enjoy a challenge, solving problems, and learn quickly
• Someone who's willing to get their hands dirty, learn practical skills, and ask questions
A unique business model, Liberty Orchard Developed By Southern Cross Horticulture in Bay of Plenty
We’re looking for people who share our values of
excellence, integrity, teamwork,
strong relationships, and a great attitude.
We'll invest in you, and we want you to invest in us.

What you will learn

• Training and on-the-job experience in the kiwifruit industry
• Career and leadership development
• Experience working on real business projects
• Mentoring from business unit managers, team leaders, experts and technical managers
• First-hand knowledge of what it takes to work in a team and fulfil our mission and values

Be part of the kiwifruit industry

You will be immersed in the industry and participate in every facet of our business.
The programme follows seasonal kiwifruit requirements, and you will deal with clients and key organisations such as Zespri, NZKGI, and KVH.

You will have clear learning outcomes in each business unit you work with.
You will be involved in key meetings, help make on-orchard decisions, gain machinery skills and licences, be exposed to Global GAP and GRASP compliance alignment requirements, attend Zespri grower field days, and learn how to negotiate, lead a team and be part of the bigger picture.
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You will receive ongoing mentoring and support to grow personally and professionally.
In addition to practical, hands-on work, we place a big emphasis on developing your leadership skills and putting our company values into practice.

A unique business model, Liberty Orchard Developed By Southern Cross Horticulture in Bay of PlentyA unique business model, Liberty Orchard Developed By Southern Cross Horticulture in Bay of Plenty

Be part of our next innovation

A large part of your 12 month programme will involve scoping, researching, developing, and testing an innovation project personalised to you, with the aim to add value to our business.

Be part of our team

At the programme's end, we'll discuss which business unit you would like to specialise in. Graduates usually move into the cropping team, but our decision will take into consideration what you’ve learned over the previous 12 months, your natural strengths, and your future career goals.

A unique business model, Liberty Orchard Developed By Southern Cross Horticulture in Bay of Plenty

How to apply

Applications are open from 1 June - 31 August each year.

Email your:
- Completed application form along with your
- CV and
- covering letter outlining your interest to careers@schort.co.nz

After an initial assessment, virtual interviews will be organised followed by an in-person interview for shortlisted candidates.

Offers will be made by October. If selected, our graduates will begin work at the conclusion of their university studies. We look forward to hearing from you.
Download application form
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