The scholarships aim to encourage more secondary school students into a career in food technology.
Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North has established a new scholarship programme to support first year students studying food technology at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University (beginning in 2025). The objective of the initiative is to encourage more secondary school students, or those already in the workforce who have interest in this field, to take up this rewarding career path.
The Fonterra Food Technology Undergraduate Scholarships are being offered this year for the first time for students starting their study at Massey in February 2025 and potential applicants are encouraged to apply before 1 November 2024.
The scholarships on offer are significant - and are not just monetary in value. Each scholarship provides $5000 for each year of the four-year Food Technology degree. It also provides two paid internships over the course of study, involving two summer holidays. This makes a total of approximately $43,000 of value to a new student, and a mentor will be assigned to the student from FRDC for the entirety of the scholarship.
Fonterra has taken this opportunity to encourage more students into the profession due to the national shortage of food technologists. The food and fibre sector is crucial economically for Aotearoa New Zealand. The foods of today and the future require the input of food product developers and food engineers, but there has been a decline in students taking up this career pathway.
The shortage is reflected in this job category being included on the immigration green list, indicating there are not enough food technologists in the country. For a company that has large investment in food research and development across the motu, particularly in Palmerston North, Fonterra recognises that action is required to assure the training and development of future leaders in this important field.
Food microbiologist and Director of the FRDC Dr Pierre Venter considers these scholarships as a renewed pathway to a successful career.
“We are excited to support the scholarship, which aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the food/dairy technology sector. By investing in the education and development of future leaders, we are not only contributing to the growth of the industry but also ensuring that we [New Zealand] remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We look forward to seeing the achievements of the scholarship recipients and their contributions to the field."
College of Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Geor says the Massey team are delighted that these scholarships are being offered.
“Food Technology is one of our flagship qualifications. We have worked with Fonterra since the inception of the programme; our relationship and connections are very strong, not least from the fact that many graduates – both from our undergraduate and post graduate qualifications – work within Fonterra nationwide and globally. This shows the value Massey expertise provides to the food and fibre industry in training the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators.
“A career in food technology is exciting but many people are unaware of the opportunities it brings. Our degree is transportable around the world, so it can lead to a global career if you want to travel, as well as within Aotearoa New Zealand. The possibilities are endless. I would like to thank Fonterra for the tremendous opportunity that these scholarships offer to our incoming students and encourage anyone with a passion for science and food to consider joining Massey next year and to apply as soon as possible,” Professor Geor says.
Massey’s food technology group is based in Palmerston North and sits at the heart of New Zealand’s food innovation district just south of the central city. FRDC are the university’s direct neighbours, alongside AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and the Riddet Institute among others, and collaborations occur across the organisations. This includes Food HQ, a public/private partnership that is the New Zealand hub of food and food production researchers advancing the food industry.
Food Technology at Massey
The food technology programme’s first graduates completed their qualifications in 1964 – meaning the university has been turning out work-ready food technologists for 60 years. Massey’s state-of-the-art food technology facilities include the FoodPilot – a pilot-scale food development and testing facility, containing the largest collection of pilot-scale food and beverage equipment in the southern hemisphere; Feast (Food Experience and Sensory Testing Laboratory), a world-class sensory science and consumer behaviour research facility; and the Nutrition Laboratory that specialises in analysing food, plant and animal products through our accredited research and testing service.
Massey's facilities, the role the university plays in the industry by hosting the annual New Zealand Food Awards and its position within the food innovation ecosystem in Palmerston North makes Massey the natural choice for studying food technology in New Zealand.
Fonterra is a proud New Zealand co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. They believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why they challenge themselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. At their Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, they know the smallest things can make a difference, so research and develop products that last longer, stretch further, work faster, waste less, withstand more and taste better. Bringing together world-class dairy products and the deep expertise of their people, they work alongside the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving dairy industry and innovation.
Related news
From bin to benefit: unlocking the potential of avocado waste
An ongoing project within the Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours programme involves a collaboration with a Kiwi start-up, aiming to unlock the full potential of avocado waste.
Food tech grad making a career out of milk
Food technologist Zara Beckingsale, Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe, picked her career out of a book, despite never having heard of the job before.
Massey food technology graduate scores sweet role with biscuit giant Arnotts
There aren’t many people who get to work with chocolate biscuits all day, but Massey University Food Technology graduate D’Arcy Knight is one of those lucky people.
Food technology graduate makes a splash in the beverage industry
Growing up on a dairy farm, food technology alumna Margie Hunt originally enrolled in a forensic science degree at Auckland University before realising her true passion.
