Summer Research Internship

New Zealand Vegetable Council; Pukekohe; On-site; NZD 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Hands-on internship

Networking with industry

Job summary

The New Zealand Vegetable Council invites two Summer Research Interns to join the Te Ahikawariki potato research program at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm for the 2026/27 summer.

You will gain hands-on experience in applied vegetable research, field data collection, and data analysis, working alongside growers and researchers across New Zealand's vegetable sector.

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking tertiary study in horticulture, agriculture, plant science or another relevant field.
• Interest in vegetable production, applied research and the wider horticulture industry.
• Interest in crop protection, pest and disease management and field-based research.
• Organised, proactive and capable of working independently.
• Strong observational skills and ability to record data accurately.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; able to analyse data and prepare reports.
• Confident communicator; comfortable presenting to groups.
• Willing to undertake hands‑on outdoor work in a commercial farm environment.
• Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Hold a current driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Previous experience in horticulture or field research is advantageous but not essential; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of an allocated potato industry research project and undertake regular field assessments and collect research data.
• Monitor crops, including plant health, pests and diseases.
• Maintain accurate research records and datasets.
• Analyse and interpret trial data using Microsoft Excel and contribute to project reports and presentations.
• Support the establishment, maintenance and assessment of other research and demonstration trials.
• Assist with practical farm and trial activities including planting, crop monitoring, irrigation, weeding and harvesting.
• Work alongside growers, researchers, agronomists and industry organisations.
• Participate in field days, grower meetings and industry extension events.
• Present and discuss research activities and findings with growers and other industry stakeholders.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Data analysis

Written & verbal communication

Independent work

Presentations

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Tertiary study in horticulture/agriculture/plant science

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Vegetable Council – Pukekohe, North Island

Te Ahikawariki: Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with Potatoes New Zealand, is looking for two Summer Research Interns to join the team at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm over the 2026/27 summer.

This is an opportunity to gain practical, hands‑on experience in applied vegetable research and commercial crop production, working on active industry research projects alongside growers, researchers and other organisations across New Zealand’s vegetable sector.

As Potatoes New Zealand supported interns, the successful applicants will have a particular focus on potato research, while also gaining exposure to the wider range of vegetable research and demonstration activities underway at Te Ahikawariki.

About the role

The Summer Research Interns will be involved in a combination of field research, data collection and analysis, practical farm activities and industry extension.

Each intern will take responsibility for allocated research activities and will be expected to work independently while being supported and mentored by the New Zealand Vegetable Council and Potatoes New Zealand R&D teams and other researchers and industry specialists involved in their projects.

As part of the internship, each student will complete a defined potato industry research project and present their findings to Potatoes New Zealand, Te Ahikawariki stakeholders and industry representatives at the conclusion of the internship.

The exact projects will be confirmed closer to the start of the internship but will have a practical industry focus, with particular emphasis on potato pest and disease management.

What you’ll be doing

Throughout the summer you will:

Take ownership of an allocated potato industry research projectand undertake regular field assessments and collect research data.

Monitor crops, including plant health, pests and diseases.

Maintain accurate research records and datasets.

Analyse and interpret trial data using Microsoft Excel and contribute to project reports and presentations.

Support the establishment, maintenance and assessment of other research and demonstration trials.

Assist with practical farm and trial activities including planting, crop monitoring, irrigation, weeding and harvesting.

Work alongside growers, researchers, agronomists and industry organisations.

Participate in field days, grower meetings and industry extension events.

Present and discuss research activities and findings with growers and other industry stakeholders.

Who we’re looking for

• Are currently undertaking tertiary study in horticulture, agriculture, plant science or another relevant field.
• Have an interest in vegetable production, applied research and the wider horticulture industry.
• Have an interest in crop protection, pest and disease management and field-based research.
• Are organised, proactive and comfortable working independently and taking ownership of their work.
• Have strong observational skills and can collect and record data accurately.
• Are proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word and comfortable analysing data and preparing written reports.
• Are confident communicators and comfortable presenting their work to groups.
• Are practical and willing to undertake hands‑on work outdoors in a commercial farm environment.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Hold a current driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle for reliable transport.
• Previous experience in horticulture, agriculture, field research or with farm machinery would be an advantage but is not essential. Training will be provided across the specific research activities, crops and farm operations involved.

What the internship offers

The internship provides an opportunity to build practical experience across applied research, commercial vegetable production and industry extension.

You will receive mentorship and support throughout the summer while gaining experience taking an industry research project from field assessments and data collection through to analysis, reporting and presentation.

Through the collaboration between Te Ahikawariki and Potatoes New Zealand, you will also have the opportunity to:

• Engage directly with commercial potato growers, agronomists, researchers and industry leaders.
• Gain exposure to different vegetable crops, research methods and commercial production systems.
• Participate in grower meetings, field days and industry extension activities.
• Develop your research, data analysis, reporting and presentation skills.
• Learn more about how industry-good organisations support research, biosecurity, market access and grower extension.
• Build professional connections across New Zealand’s potato and wider vegetable industries.

If you are looking for a summer role that combines practical work, applied research and the opportunity to contribute to projects addressing real challenges for New Zealand growers, we would like to hear from you.