About the Careers Pathway Scheme
The scheme supported employers to hire and train new primary industry advisers. It aimed to grow the number and diversity of advisers in the primary industry advisory sector.
Independent advisory companies and whenua Māori entities may have been eligible to receive financial support when hiring new advisers or upskilling existing staff.
Why the scheme was needed
The agriculture and horticulture advisory sectors have an ageing workforce and a shortage of advisers. The scheme supported the development of skilled farm advisers.
It was designed to ensure farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners have access to high-quality farm planning, support, and advice.
There was an emphasis on attracting more advisers who are:
- women
- graduates
- Māori
- career changers.
Types of funding offered
Financial support was split into categories, based on an adviser's experience.
- New and early career advisers – $22,500 per year (for up to 3 years) to help cover salary and training costs.
- Experienced advisers – one-off contributions towards training costs to grow skills required to support farmers with integrated farm planning.
This scheme closed in June 2026.