A group of Year 11 students studying Science, Business Studies, ICT or Horticulture recently took part in "Cultivate Your Career Day".

They visited Newnham Park in Te Puna, where at Robotics Plus the students got to see a robot which can pollinate and pick kiwifruit, among other things. Exactly how it does this was explained by Robotics Plus co-founder, Dr Alistair Scarfe, who has a PhD in autonomous agriculture robotics. At Tūhono Whenua Horticulture, Stacey Mareroa, a former lawyer now turned Project Manager, had the students exploring leadership styles, personalities and team work. This was followed by a tour of the Port of Tauranga, where students were amazed to hear that the crane operators who load containers onto ships are paid six figures. Zespri then hosted a workshop and a fascinating presentation was given by a young man who is several years into a very exciting career as part of Zespri's graduate programme, working in all areas of the company, including overseas postings. Thank you to the many people who made the day possible, and to Priority One for organising it.