Nikolai Macnee, an Auckland University Student, has been awarded a NZD $150,000 scholarship from agricultural giant BayWa AG to complete a four year research-based PhD in the field of horticulture.
The scholarship is the first of its kind for BayWa outside of Germany and sees the fulfilment of a commitment made during the purchase of fresh produce company T&G (formerly Turners & Growers).
Recently in New Zealand, BayWa Chief Executive Professor Klaus Lutz, presented Mr Macnee with the scholarship and took the opportunity to discuss the scholarship and the importance of science and research for the industry.
“BayWa, through the BayWa Foundation, are passionate about promoting and supporting education, healthy nutrition and renewable energy. When we acquired T&G we wanted to ensure that we created an educational opportunity in New Zealand that would benefit a local student and the industry.”
“With Sir John Anderson on board to support the BayWa Foundation in New Zealand, we hope that Nikolai will be one of many New Zealand PhD students we can help support,” stated Professor Lutz.
Mr Macnee will be working with Plant and Food Research New Zealand and will undertake the doctoral degree in the field of fruit development / molecular plant physiology for kiwifruit.
“The appearance of fruit is a key factor for consumers when differentiating new cultivars and fruit evaluating quality. The skin on fruit, in particular kiwifruit can be smooth or hairy depending on the level of programmed cell death used in each species. My research will study the molecular and physiological events that determine whether kiwifruit skin will stay alive or die during fruit development. The research aims to guide breeding attempts of new kiwifruit cultivars and give a greater understanding of the triggers fruit development,” explained Mr Macnee.
The scholarship is managed by Education New Zealand on behalf of BayWa AG and strengthens the relationship between the German based company and the New Zealand horticultural industry.
“We are delighted to be managing the scholarship on behalf of BayWa AG. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our world class education, research and scholarship to the rest of the world,” said Christine Roberts, Scholarship Programme Manager, Education New Zealand.
Queries regarding the scholarship:
Christine Roberts
Education New Zealand
M: + 64 21 476 071
Other media queries:
Kylie Horomia, Corporate Communications Manager
(E) Kylie.horomia@tandg.global
(+64) 9 573 4750 or (+64) 21 563 531
WEBSITE: www.tandg.global
