Massey University expands its youth program across food and fibre sector

Following the success of its inaugural Food Innovation Youth Summit earlier this year, Massey University is planning an expanded program in January 2027 to provide Year 12 and 13 students with a first-hand look into the food and fibre sector.

The original three-day summit was designed to showcase the creativity, science and collaboration behind Aotearoa New Zealand’s food industry through a mix of practical workshops, industry engagement and future-focused thinking. It challenged common misconceptions of the sector as a narrow or purely culinary field, instead highlighting food technology as a multidisciplinary career that combines science, nutrition, engineering, business and creativity. This broad skill set enables graduates to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security, sustainability and nutrition.

As part of the summit, students explored commercial food production first-hand, visiting leading Manawatū industry partners Goodman Fielder, Fonterra and Moana New Zealand.

Building on the enthusiasm shown by participants and industry partners, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will host two summits in 2027: the Food Innovation Youth Summit and the inaugural Rural Innovation Youth Summit. The expanded program will introduce students to opportunities across the wider food and fibre sector, including agriculture, pastoral animal management, environmental science and food production.

Together, the summits will help participants discover the breadth of career pathways available and explore where their interests, strengths and ambitions could take them through hands-on activities, workshops, site visits and industry experiences.

Head of the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences Professor Jamie Quinton said the success of the inaugural summit demonstrated the value of giving students direct exposure to the industry.

“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.

“Food technology sits at the intersection of science, innovation and real-world problem-solving. We’re looking forward to welcoming another group of students and helping them discover how they could contribute to the future of food, while having fun and getting hands-on experience along the way.”

The Food Innovation Youth Summit runs from 12–14 January 2027 and the Rural Innovation Youth Summit from 19–21 January 2027. Applications are open 25 September 2026. To find out more, visit Massey University Food Innovation Youth Summit 2027.

Image credit: Massey University