Key Takeaways
- Massey University will host two innovative summits in January 2027 for Year 12 and 13 students, expanding on the success of the first Food Innovation Youth Summit.
- The summits aim to showcase diverse career opportunities in the food and fibre sector through hands-on activities and industry engagement.
- Applications for students open on September 25, 2026, for the Food Innovation and Rural Innovation Youth Summits.
Expanded Opportunities in Food and Fibre Education
Following the inaugural Food Innovation Youth Summit’s success earlier this year, Massey University is preparing to enhance its educational offerings in January 2027 for Year 12 and 13 students. The three-day summit aims to provide insights into Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, showcasing its creativity, science, and collaborative nature.
The initial summit featured practical workshops and direct industry engagement, redefining common perceptions by emphasizing that food technology is a multidisciplinary field. This diverse area integrates science, nutrition, engineering, business, and creativity, equipping graduates to tackle pressing global challenges like food security, sustainability, and nutrition.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact with leading organizations such as Goodman Fielder, Fonterra, and Moana New Zealand, offering them a hands-on understanding of commercial food production. Building on the enthusiasm expressed by participants and industry partners, Massey University will organize two summits in January 2027: the Food Innovation Youth Summit and the first-ever Rural Innovation Youth Summit. This expansion will provide students with a comprehensive view of opportunities within the food and fibre sector, including agriculture, animal management, environmental science, and food production.
These summits will allow students to explore various career pathways through a mix of hands-on activities, workshops, site visits, and industry experiences. Professor Jamie Quinton, head of the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences, emphasized the summit’s role in exposing students to the diverse and stimulating aspects of food technology.
“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,” said Quinton.
The Food Innovation Youth Summit will take place from January 12 to 14, 2027, followed by the Rural Innovation Youth Summit from January 19 to 21, 2027. Students interested in attending can submit applications starting September 25, 2026. For more information, visit the Massey University website dedicated to the Food Innovation Youth Summit 2027.
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