Buddy-system works best

Rhiannon Bond and Jack Keeys, 2015 winners of New Zealand Horticulture Scholarships.

Tauranga, Waikato University student Rhiannon Bond and her friend Jack Keeys from Paeroa have been awarded a $4500, 2015 New Zealand horticultural scholarship.

The pair became friends during an agribusiness paper and developed a buddy-system for applying for scholarships. They've received more than $45,000 in scholarships.

"If I hear about a scholarship I tell Jack and vice versa," said Rhiannon. "Sometimes there's a bit of friendly rivalry as usually only one person can get it."

A second-time winner of the HortNZ Undergraduate Scholarship, Jack said the award aligned perfectly with his passion for horticulture, especially in the kiwifruit industry.

"Horticulture is such an important industry in New Zealand and these scholarships are a great stepping stone into the industry," he said.

Rhiannon was excited to receive the New Zealand Horticentre Trust Undergraduate Scholarship this year. Similar to the HortNZ scholarship, the award gave students the opportunity to attend and participate in the 2015 HortNZ Annual Conference in Rotorua.

"The conference is an incredible opportunity to grow as a professional and meet industry experts," said Rhiannon. "It's the perfect way to say 'hi' to potential employers."

Jack was studying a conjoint degree in Management and Science, majoring in Agribusiness and Biological Science while Rhiannon was in the third year of a Bachelor of Science (Technology) majoring in Biology.

The duo loved university life and had taken advantage of many university initiatives including internships, student-clubs and social sports.

In 2014, Jack undertook a summer research project co-funded by the University of Waikato and the New Zealand Agricultural Green House Gas Research Centre. There he researched an economic model for mitigating greenhouse gasses in the dairy industry. As part of her work placement with the university's engineering laboratories, Rhiannon helped develop health and safety procedures and gained good practical skills.

"At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what grades you get. A good work ethic and having practical skills are what employers are often looking for," she said.

After graduation, Rhiannon wanted to be a scientific researcher and study plant breeding and fruit development. Jack wanted to work with Zespri in the kiwifruit industry.

Horticulture New Zealand offered scholarships to students and trainees who had a special interest in the fruit or vegetable industry.