Ideas That Grow

From surviving PSA to studying biosecurity around the world, 2018 Nuffield Scholar Simon Cook shares how stepping beyond the farm gate broadened his perspective, strengthened his leadership, and reinforced the importance of preparing industries for tomorrow's challenges.

Ethan Gillespie discusses his experience of the 2025 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme; how it broadened his understanding of leadership, advocacy, and strategic decision-making. 
He shares insights into his own leadership development, industry collaboration, and the pathways available for emerging leaders in New Zealand's horticulture sector.

In this Ideas that Grow Podcast, Murray King, 2003 Nuffield Scholar and Rural Leaders Board Board member, talks to Bryan Gibson Managing Editor at Farmers Weekly, and shares his journey from horticulture and the 1980s agricultural downturn, through farm management consultancy in South Canterbury, to running the family farm in Nelson and chairing organisations including LIC.

Now on the selection side of the table two decades after his own scholarship, Murray reflects on what 75 years of Nuffield has meant for New Zealand agribusiness, why stepping away from your business is the point rather than the cost, and the advice he offers anyone weighing it up: the busiest people are the ones who can least afford not to apply.

Kate Tomlinson, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship winner, talks to Bryan Gibson Managing Editor at Farmers Weekly, and shares her journey from a UK farm to New Zealand, where Kate now blends practical farming with sustainability and data insights in her role with Map of Ag.
As a current Kellogg Programme participant, Kate is set to research cultural diversity in Canterbury’s dairy workforce. This podcast highlights curiosity, a global perspective, and the value of structured leadership development in shaping future rural leaders.

Alice Rule, Hawke’s Bay winemaker and 2019 Kellogg Scholar, discusses her journey from a Bay of Islands farm to the wine industry, her circular glass economy research, leadership lessons from Kellogg, and balancing entrepreneurship, rural advisory work, and family amid uncertain wine markets.