R&D Internship

At Trevelyan’s, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’ve got two exciting summer research placements on offer this year, funded through MBIE’s R&D Experience Grant, giving a student hands-on exposure to real R&D work in the kiwifruit industry.

Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi | About the Role

Each placement is full-time, 32–40 hours per week for 10 weeks, and must start before 1 December 2026 and finish by 31 March 2027. You’ll work mostly on-site with our team in Te Puke. Tell us in your application which project you’d like to be considered for.

Project One: Short Stalk Tool Design & 3D Printing

This project focuses on researching, developing and refining a hand-held tool for removing short stalks ahead of the 2027 harvest. You’ll help design and 3D print the tool, test its robustness in the field across different kiwifruit varieties, and explore wider opportunities for 3D printing in postharvest operations, including producing a scaled 3D-printed model of a packhouse to support layout and flow discussions.

What you’ll do:

• Review and improve the design of the short stalk tool
• Plan and carry out further R&D to ensure the tool performs well in orchard conditions
• 3D print prototypes and components
• Meet regularly with a mentor for support and guidance

Project Two: Leaf Brix & Pest Pressure Research

Leaf Brix measures the soluble sugars and other compounds in plant sap, and is used as an indicator of plant health and nutrient status. This project investigates whether there’s a measurable relationship between leaf Brix levels and pest pressure in commercial kiwifruit orchards, an area with limited existing research.

What you’ll do:

• Review historical Kiwigreen Monitoring data to identify orchards with significant pest pressure
• Carry out leaf Brix monitoring in affected orchards
• Analyse the data to assess any relationship between Brix levels and pest pressure

He kōrero mōu | About you

We’re looking for someone curious, practical and keen to get hands-on with real R&D. You don’t need industry experience, just a willingness to learn, and test ideas.

You’ll bring:

• Currently studying science, technology, engineering, design or business
• A practical, hands-on approach and curiosity to test and refine ideas
• Able to work mostly on-site with our team in Te Puke
• Available for the full 10-week placement, starting before 1 December 2026 and finishing by 31 March 2027
• Good communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team
• A genuine interest in the kiwifruit industry and R&D innovation

Mō Mātou  | About us

We’re a values-led business with deep roots in the community. We celebrate whanaungatanga (connection) and caring for our people and our place.

We are committed to being a safe, inclusive and fair workplace for everyone - regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

Ngā painga | What’s on offer

• Hands-on experience in real-world R&D within the kiwifruit industry
• Regular mentoring and support throughout your placement
• Living wage pay
• The chance to make a genuine, lasting contribution ahead of the 2027 harvest
• Some of our past interns have gone on to seasonal or permanent roles with us

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

We’re committed to EEO and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If this sounds like you, apply today with your CV and a brief cover letter telling us why you’re a great fit.

For questions or a kōrero, contact Jo Shackleton at jo.shackleton@trevelyan.co.nz.

Apply now

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