A group of Year 12 Katikati College students were very fortunate to be sponsored by Bay of Plenty horticultural research and innovation company, StartAfresh, to attend the biennial Zespri Momentum Conference at Trust Power Arena on February 13 and 14.

Fascinating speakers, both local and international, presented lectures and workshops on sustainability, consumer and global trends, technology and biosecurity, as well as the challenges and opportunities that they present.

StartAfresh has supported the Katikati College Innovative Horticulture Programme from its inception, providing a fully equipped laboratory project each year for keen students to carry out a real life paid investigative project for Zespri. Hilary Johnson, College Innovative Horticulture Manager describes it as a perfect example of industry and education collaborating to enable our young people.