New ANZ Scholarship will develop and grow Future Leaders in NZYF

Posted by on 1 June 2016 | Comments

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

New Scholarship aims to develop Agri-leaders

A new primary industry scholarship focused on developing future agricultural leaders is being launched today (Wednesday 1 June).

The ANZ Future Leaders Scholarship has been developed in conjunction with New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) and will offer at least four $10,000 scholarships every year to members who exhibit a strong commitment to a career in the primary sector and have a desire to lift their leadership potential.

The scholarship will help NZYF members achieve their potential through a personalised professional development plan.

“Both ANZ and New Zealand Young Farmers share a goal of building a more progressive, productive and performance-focused future for New Zealand agriculture,” said Ross Verry, ANZ General Manager Agri. 

“In the future, farms will need to be run like top New Zealand businesses, with an emphasis on efficiency, performance and profit. We’re proud to help the Young Farmers organisation strengthen the management, leadership and business governance skills of the next generation of New Zealand farmers.”

Southland farmer Dean Rabbidge urges NZYF members to apply for the scholarship if they're seeking professional development and says the networking opportunities even in the application stage are well worth the effort.

Mr Rabbidge said similar opportunities he had experienced had allowed him to observe and learn 'from the best' and had enabled him to implement new policy on his own farming operation that increased productivity and economic sustainability.

Figured farm accounting head of rural, Sophie Stanley said the main benefit she gained from programmes similar to the ANZ Future Leaders Scholarship was the contacts and networks she made.

"My current job was a direct result of networking at a conference where I presented my scholarship findings."

Applications for the 2016/17 ANZ Future Leaders Scholarship are open now and close on the 31 July.

For more information visit www.youngfarmers.co.nz/anzscholarship or phone NZYF (03) 344 2473