Partnership to build rural leadership announced

Whanganui & Partners is pleased to announce a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust designed to build entrepreneurial capital in Whanganui’s food and fibre sector.

Two scholarships will be granted to Whanganui residents, or those scholars who directly contribute to Whanganui’s agribusiness sector, who are undertaking a Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme or a Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

Strategic Lead for Agribusiness Colleen Sheldon said it was great to have the trust on board as the partnership aligned with the agency’s aim to deliver a thriving and resilient economy.

“Whanganui’s strong primary sector heritage fits well with the Kellogg and Nuffield programmes, which have created positive change in agribusiness and rural communities for generations.

“It is enormously important that we support rural leadership development so our region’s agri-food sector is in the best position for the future,” Sheldon said.

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has a national focus and gives participants skills and confidence to work strategically. It is run up to three times a year with 24 participants in each programme.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarship is awarded to five scholars per year. It has an international focus aimed at generating insight and foresight to keep New Zealand’s food and fibre sector at the global forefront.

The Whanganui & Partners scholarships are worth $2500 each and are administered through the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (NZRLT), allowing the recipient to reduce their course or travel costs.

NZRLT chief executive Chris Parsons said the trust was delighted to partner with Whanganui & Partners, as helping to grow regional leaders was core to its purpose.

“These scholarships are a good example of Whanganui & Partners’ commitment to the prosperity of Whanganui’s people and whenua,” Parsons said.