Hooked on horticulture and shaping a sustainable future

Originally from South Africa, Nathan came to New Zealand with ambitions in environmental science, driven by a love of the outdoors and a desire to give back. But learning about the primary industries and the annual Tauranga Boys College visit to Massey’s campus in Palmerston North set him on a new path.

“I got to visit Massey with my school and after getting a good look at the facilities and resources available, knew I wanted to study there and do a Bachelor of Horticultural Science.

“I had to wait to get New Zealand residency before I could enrol, which only came through a few weeks before orientation. I was lucky enough to receive the New to Massey First Year Student Agriculture and Horticulture Scholarship, and the School of Agriculture and Environment held it for me until I was able to officially start,” Nathan explains. 

Nathan gained several scholarships through the duration of his study, alongside paid internships that helped pay for university and his extensive extracurricular activities.

From day one, Nathan was drawn to the campus stream and found he wasn’t alone. 

“I went straight into the halls as a first-year student. It was perfect for making friends, with activities, meals sorted, and a short walk to class and the river. I met a guy, who ended up becoming one of my best mates, who was keen on fishing too. After checking out the river and spotting a big fish, we realised we had rods and fishing permits, so could make it happen. We’d fish most days before class, occasionally showing up to lectures in our gumboots,” Nathan laughs. 

The ritual has stuck, and alongside his flatmates – all friends he met in first-year halls – Nathan rises at ‘stupid hours’ for fishing trips.  

“It’s just such good fun, and it’s right on our doorstep. We’re really lucky,” he says. 

However, it wasn’t the stream that drew Nathan to Massey, but the horticultural degree itself.  

“Massey has great horticulture facilities, including orchards that complement lab work and internships. We study production systems, pests, diseases and sustainable practices. It’s about improving systems for the environment, reducing chemicals and helping growers. That’s what I enjoy and stand for – giving back what’s given to us.”

His hands-on learning extended into internships, giving Nathan direct industry experience.

“Massey connects you with companies where you gain practical knowledge through internships. Bringing insights from the field back to class not only helps with assignments but sets you up for future work.”

These experiences led to a full-time role with Eurofins Kalyx, an agricultural contract research organisation in Australia and New Zealand that provides field research services to the industry. This means he’s postponing a master’s for now, though he’s confident he’ll return to further study in the future.

Nathan also immersed himself socially, serving as vice president of the Massey Horticulture Society.

“Massey encourages involvement in clubs, which helps socially and professionally. We meet people from different degrees, but in the primary industries, everyone is interlinked. I met a lot of industry key players through the clubs, which can lead to job opportunities. They want to come meet us because we’re the next generation moving into that industry, so they want to see the talent available,” Nathan says. 

As an outdoorsy person, Nathan says Palmerston North offered more than he expected. 

“It’s got city features, social events and even more outdoor activities. We’d go snowboarding on Mt Ruapehu, surf at the nearby beaches and fish in the campus river. Being in the heart of a productive primary industry area, with sheep, beef, dairy and vegetables all around, adds to the experience.”

Nathan says what he enjoys most about Massey is the variety of opportunities available.  

“Massey gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities and practical learning, so when you enter the workforce, you can add value quickly. It opens you to what the real world is actually like.” 

“I really enjoy my sport, and have been able to get involved in rugby, lacrosse, tennis and spend time in the Massey gym. There’s so much for students to get involved in.” 

He also values the accessibility of staff.

“I’ve got to know all my lecturers by name, and they all know mine. If you take the time to engage, they’re incredibly supportive and open to discussing opportunities and career paths. The area that I’m going into, I would’ve never thought I’d even like if it wasn’t for coming to university,” he says. 

Walking away from the river after returning his last catch, it’s clear that Nathan’s tertiary experience has done more than unlock a love of horticulture –  it has shaped him for the next chapter of his journey.  

Watch Nathan Pollard fly fish on the Manawatū campus as he chats about his time at Massey in the video below:

*Fishing in the Turitea River requires a valid New Zealand fishing licence, which Nathan holds.