Congratulations to Zespri’s 2026 Horticulture Scholars

The Zespri Horticulture Scholarship supports the next generation of talent who will help shape the future of our industry, providing two university students with up to $10,000 towards their studies.

We’re proud to support Ruby and Luke as this year’s scholars as they continue their studies and work towards exciting careers in horticulture.

Ruby Ives

Ruby is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing, majoring in Supply Chain Management at Lincoln University, where she’s achieving strong grades while building on seven years of hands-on horticulture experience across berry and cherry packhouses, hydroponics and quality control. This summer, she’ll take the next step with an internship in Australia, gaining further industry experience and continuing to explore her keen interest in supply chains and how great produce makes its way from grower to consumer.

Ruby hopes to build a career helping strengthen New Zealand horticulture through better market access, smarter use of resources and more sustainable practices. Ultimately, she wants to support growers long-term success while helping our industry remain competitive on the world stage.

Luke Toohey

Luke is making the most of every opportunity to immerse himself in horticulture while studying a Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems, majoring in Horticultural Production at Massey University. Alongside gaining hands-on commercial kiwifruit experience, he is Vice President of the Massey Horticulture Society and helps manage its student-run greenhouse, putting his learning into practice and actively contributing to the next generation of the industry.

With a real passion for innovation, Luke is excited by the potential of new crops, emerging technologies and smarter growing systems. He hopes to build a career helping push New Zealand horticulture forward, keeping our industry competitive on the world stage while encouraging more young people to see the opportunities it has to offer.

Find out more about Zespri scholarships here.