Developing the next generation of skilled people is one of the biggest investments any industry can make.
While innovation and infrastructure often dominate conversations about aquaculture’s future, people remain at the centre of its long-term success. For more than a decade, New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) has worked alongside Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) to support students in the early stages of their careers in aquaculture.
Our partnership is built on a shared goal: equipping students with the knowledge, practical experience and industry connections needed to support New Zealand’s growing aquaculture sector.
This commitment is reflected each year through the New Zealand King Salmon scholarship programme, which has supported more than 20 students over the past decade. In 2026, four scholarships were awarded: three to students studying aquaculture and one to an accounting student, recognising that a thriving aquaculture sector requires skilled people across a wide range of disciplines, from technical aquaculture through to commercial roles.
These scholarships are one element of NZKS’ broader partnership with NMIT. Throughout the year, we work alongside NMIT to bring industry into the classroom and students into the industry. Fertilised salmon eggs are supplied so students can observe the salmon life cycle from its earliest stages, while whole fish are used in practical fish health and anatomy sessions. Students also gain first-hand experience through industry placements, field trips and research projects, helping bridge the gap between study and employment, theory and practice.
The relationship is equally valuable for NZKS, creating opportunities for continual learning and knowledge sharing across our organisation. Team members regularly attend advanced fish health and necropsy training at NMIT, while the company contributes to the institute’s Aquaculture Industry Advisory Committee, helping ensure programmes continue to reflect the skills and knowledge required to support the future of New Zealand aquaculture.
The partnership has become a mutually beneficial collaboration between tertiary education and industry, with knowledge and experience flowing both ways. It strengthens both organisations and helps ensure graduates are well prepared for their careers.
Together, this year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate how the NZKS-NMIT partnership is helping support and prepare the next generation of aquaculture and business professionals.
Tess Curnow, Third-year Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation
Image – Hands-on learning: scholarship recipient Tess Curnow carrying out field work for her degree.
Throughout her degree, Tess has benefited from NZKS’ long-standing partnership with NMIT through farm visits and practical learning experiences. She describes receiving the scholarship as “the salmon on the bagel”. It has helped reduce the financial pressures of study, increased her sense of accountability and focus, and supports her goal of building a career in aquaculture biosecurity after graduation.
Hayley Ross, Second-year Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation
Image – Hayley Ross and Nikki Rackley (NZKS GM of People and Culture), at the recent NMIT scholarship ceremony.
After roles in conservation horticulture and wild-capture fisheries, and nine years away from the workforce raising her daughters, Hayley returned to study to pursue a career in sustainable food production. She says the scholarship has eased the financial pressure of returning to tertiary education while helping her develop the skills needed for the next stage of her career.
Laura Forrest, Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture
Image – Laura Forrest pictured at NZKS Tākaka hatchery during an NMIT field trip.
Laura is inspired by the innovation across New Zealand’s aquaculture sector and is excited to contribute to New Zealand’s thriving blue economy, helping shape the future of our marine environment and food systems. For Laura, the scholarship has made retraining in a new sector more achievable. She says it is both an honour and an encouragement that organisations such as NZKS are investing in the future workforce.
Butsaba Butsaba, First-year Bachelor of Accounting
Image – Butsaba Butsaba and Nikki Rackley (NZKS GM of People and Culture) at the recent NMIT scholarship ceremony.
Having come to New Zealand from a refugee background, Butsaba sees education as an opportunity to build a better future. She is grateful for the recognition of both her hard work and potential and says the scholarship will ease the financial pressures of tertiary study while allowing her to focus on developing the skills needed for a successful career in accounting.
As New Zealand’s aquaculture sector continues to evolve, NZKS is proud to invest in the people who are part of its future. Through our long-standing partnership with NMIT, we’re helping students gain the experience, confidence and industry connections to build rewarding careers and strengthen our sector for years to come.