Exploring the food and fibre sector with two new youth summits in 2027

The original three-day summit was designed to showcase the creativity, science and collaboration behind Aotearoa New Zealand’s food industry through a mix of practical workshops, industry engagement and future-focused thinking. It challenged common misconceptions of the sector as a narrow or purely culinary field, instead highlighting food technology as a multidisciplinary career that combines science, nutrition, engineering, business and creativity. This broad skill set enables graduates to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security, sustainability and nutrition.

As part of the summit, students explored commercial food production first-hand, visiting leading Manawatū industry partners Goodman Fielder, Fonterra and Moana New Zealand.  

Building on the enthusiasm shown by participants and industry partners, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will host two summits in 2027: the Food Innovation Youth Summit and the inaugural Rural Innovation Youth Summit. The expanded programme will introduce students to opportunities across the wider food and fibre sector, including agriculture, pastoral animal management, environmental science and food production. 

Together, the summits will help participants discover the breadth of career pathways available and explore where their interests, strengths and ambitions could take them through hands-on activities, workshops, site visits and industry experiences. 

Head of the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences Professor Jamie Quinton says the success of the inaugural summit demonstrated the value of giving students direct exposure to the industry.  

“The aim of the Food Innovation Youth Summit is to show students just how exciting and diverse food technology can be. The response to this year’s summit exceeded our expectations and highlighted the incredible enthusiasm, creativity and potential that young people bring. 

“Food technology sits at the intersection of science, innovation and real-world problem-solving. We’re looking forward to welcoming another group of students and helping them discover how they could contribute to the future of food, while having fun and getting hands-on experience along the way.”

Head of the School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Paul Kenyon says expanding the programme was the natural next step. 

“Food and fibre go hand in hand, so introducing a Rural Innovation Youth Summit was a natural progression. It’s particularly meaningful as Massey celebrates its centenary next year, reflecting on our origins as an agricultural college while looking ahead to the future of the sector. 

“The food and fibre sector offers an enormous range of career opportunities spanning agriculture, earth and environmental sciences, animal science, horticulture, business, food technology, sustainability and beyond. We’re excited to introduce students to these possibilities and help them discover the role they could play in this vital industry.”

The Food Innovation Youth Summit runs from 12 to 14 of January 2027 and the Rural Innovation Youth Summit runs from 19 to 21 January 2027. Both summits involve students staying in the Massey Halls of Residence on the Manawatū campus, with meals provided throughout the three-day programmes.

Applications are open now until Friday 25 September 2026. Places are limited, and applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and include a teacher or careers adviser endorsement as part of the selection process.

The programme is valued at $1,500 per student; however, participants are only required to contribute $100. Travel bursaries of up to $500 are also available for students travelling longer distances to attend the summit in Palmerston North.

As Massey marks 100 years, the summits highlight the university’s enduring connection to New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and its commitment to developing the next generation of talent who will help shape its future.  

Register for the Food Innovation Youth Summit

Register for the Rural Innovation Youth Summit

Check out the highlights video from the 2026 Food Innovation Youth Summit below:

Interested in being involved?

Massey is seeking industry partners and supporters to help make the 2027 programmes even more impactful. Those working across the food and fibre sector are invited to get involved in a range of ways, from hosting student visits and sharing their expertise, to providing sponsorship, products or items for participant giveaways, or helping to support refreshments and catering throughout the summits.

If you’d like to be involved, please contact Dr Sarah Golding at s.golding@massey.ac.nz.