Alliance Group study bursaries announced for students from Canterbury, Manawatū and Southland
From left to right: Ella Hole, Jack Aitken-Cade, Tessa Cubitt
Three promising young New Zealanders from Canterbury, Manawatū and Southland have been selected as recipients of Alliance Group’s 2025 shareholder and employee bursaries.
The 2025 Shareholder Bursary was awarded to Ella Hole from Geraldine, who is studying for a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree at Lincoln University.
Two Employees Family Member Bursaries have also been awarded to Jack Aitken-Cade from Palmerston North, a Smedley Station cadet, and Tessa Cubitt, from Southland, who is embarking on studies in Rural Animal Technology at Otago Polytechnic following two years working on farms.
Each of the recipients will receive $1,500 for each year of study remaining.
“Alliance is committed to supporting young people who are interested in New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Kirstie Gardener, Alliance general manager people and culture.
“The quality of applications was outstanding, and it was great to see so many talented young people with a real passion for the sector.”
Ella, 19, was raised on family farms, with her award citation highlighting how she has been “inspired by generations of passionate farmers, including her grandmother, instilling in her a deep connection to agriculture and a strong work ethic”.
Her practical experience spans sheep, beef, and deer farming, complemented by formal learning through the Primary Industry Academy at Geraldine High School and her current studies.
She is a Handy Landys club volunteer where she contributes to initiatives such as riparian planting, flood recovery and supporting A&P shows.
Jack, 19, impressed the bursary panel with his academic excellence, leadership qualities, exceptional dedication to a career in agriculture and resilience.
Having topped his class in agriculture and horticulture at Palmerston North Boys’ High, he was one of only 13 trainees chosen from 110 applicants for the Smedley Station cadetship in Hawke’s Bay.
He is an active member of Young Farmers and was a 2024 Taranaki Manawatū Junior Young Farmer of the Year.
Jack plans to spend the next year focusing on livestock handling, dog work, horse work and animal health, with future plans to study Agricultural Science or Business.
Tessa, 18, was recognised for her exceptional drive, adaptability and passion for the agriculture industry.
Over the past two years, Tessa has worked as relief staff for farmers. Her next step will be studying Rural Animal Technology with plans to pursue a career dedicated to animals and agriculture.
The Alliance Shareholders Bursary is open to a child or dependent of an active Alliance Group shareholder, who is pursuing full-time study at a New Zealand university or approved establishment in fields related to the meat industry, associated industries, or primary production.
The Family Members Employees Bursary is open to those who have a parent/guardian or primary carer employed at Alliance Group and enrolled for a full-time course of study at a university or other agreed establishment within New Zealand.
Applications were assessed based on field of study and academic achievements; long-term commitment to agriculture or food-related industries; voluntary involvement in their community or school; how well their values align with Alliance values and any personal challenges they have overcome during their studies.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sam Halstead
027 474 6065
sam@latitudesc.co.nz
