New Zealand processing and exporting sector names new scholars for 2026
Five young New Zealanders have been selected for the Meat Industry Association (MIA) scholarship programme for 2026.
The new scholars, undergraduate students from Christchurch, Lincoln, Western Bay of Plenty, Marlborough and Wellington, have joined the programme alongside six returning scholars.
For the first time this year, two further recipients have also been awarded sponsorship to attend the 2026 Red Meat Conference Sector in September.
The new MIA scholars for 2026 are:
- Ben Ballantyne, Brooklyn, Wellington, Bachelor of Commerce (marketing major, economics minor), University of Otago
- Ella Hargreaves, Whakamarama, Western Bay of Plenty, Bachelor of Food Science (with minor in marketing), University of Otago
- Taya Lewis, Lincoln, Bachelor of Commerce (agriculture), Lincoln University
- Lara Murdoch, St Albans, Christchurch, Bachelor of Engineering (chemical and process Engineering jointly with operations and supply chain management), University of Canterbury
- Shaun Woods, Blenheim, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Massey University
Recipients of sponsorship to the Red Meat Sector Conference are:
- Katie Perkins, Dunedin, Bachelor of Science Agricultural Innovation, University of Otago
- Freddie Saunders, Lumsden, Southland, Bachelor of Commerce (agriculture and professional accounting), Lincoln University
Every year, the MIA provides scholarships of $5,000 per annum for undergraduates and $10,000 per annum for post-graduate students. All are tertiary students, studying a subject relevant to the red meat processing industry and planning a career in the sector beyond the farm gate.
Participants in this year’s new scholar intake are pursuing subjects including agricultural science, food science, chemical and process engineering, operations and supply chain management, marketing and economics.
Returning scholars’ study subjects include commerce, marketing, environmental science and law.
Sirma Karapeeva, MIA chief executive, said the scholarship programme plays an important role in promoting the many and varied opportunities in the red meat sector and supporting highly motivated young people to achieve their goals of rewarding careers in the industry.
“The red meat sector is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy and in order to sustain and grow the industry, we need to attract and nurture skilled and driven newcomers to our ranks.
“It has been a privilege to meet our past and returning scholars, see their enthusiasm and passion for many different aspects of our sector and hear about what a positive experience the scholarship has been for them.
“I look forward to our new scholars enjoying an equally valuable experience and to seeing all of these young people going on to achieve the very best in their chosen fields of work, and to hopefully become leaders in our industry.”
As well as financial support, MIA scholars benefit from the organisation’s mentoring programme and participation in a range of industry events and networking opportunities. Assistance may also be provided to help them to secure vacation or part-time work in the meat processing industry.