Across the Bay of Plenty, a collective of regional employers and professional service firms is working together to open doors for the next generation. Through hands-on experiences and real conversations with professionals, each organisation offers something different. Some provide global insights, others focus on inclusive pathways, and many highlight the personal journeys that have shaped their staff. Together, they’re helping students understand that there is more than one way to build a career, and that valuable opportunities exist right here in our region.

Inside Zespri: global strategy meets local insight

Students from Aquinas College, many of whom are studying business, economics and accounting, spent the day at Zespri gaining first-hand insights from industry leaders.

Ben Fitchett, Head of Grower Commercial Services, opened the session with an overview of Zespri’s global operations. He covered a wide range of strategic topics including market dynamics, supplier relationships, innovation, and how Zespri navigates complex global environments while remaining grounded in local growing regions.

Casandra Greeff, Group Financial Controller, then shifted the focus to the evolving role of accounting. She spoke about the profession’s increasing breadth, highlighting that accounting now includes data analysis, strategic thinking and cross-industry mobility. Casandra encouraged students to view chartered accountancy as a versatile career, with opportunities extending well beyond traditional finance roles.

Rounding out the Zespri session, Eric Seo, ESG Analyst, discussed his role assessing Zespri’s environmental and social impact. He shared his own pathway from university to KPMG, and eventually to Zespri, and reflected on how sustainability and business can work together to support long-term value and positive change.

KPMG: behind the scenes at a global firm

Otumoetai College students visited KPMG Tauranga, where they met with professionals across multiple levels of the business. The visit introduced students to KPMG’s Junior Accounting Programme, which offers early entry points into the profession and supports career growth from the outset.

Madeleine Schnackenburg reflected on the difference between working in a global firm compared to smaller practices, pointing out the exposure to large clients and the travel and development opportunities available within KPMG’s structured progression framework. She also outlined the financial support KPMG provides for achieving Chartered Accountant (CA) status.

Students also heard from Ketai Zinyowera, a former Tauranga Boys’ College student now in his first year with KPMG. Ketai gave a candid account of his journey through the application process and into the workforce. He encouraged students to stay open to change, noting how career paths can evolve over time. Alyssa Gardiner, now in her second year at KPMG, described how she balances university study with work. She emphasised the growing importance of communication skills, particularly when working directly with clients.

A key highlight was the introduction to KPMG’s Kiwa Network, which supports Māori and Pasifika staff with connection, career development and cultural celebration. For many students, it was their first time seeing how inclusion can be intentionally embedded within a workplace.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway: career journeys in focus

At Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, students met a team of professionals willing to share practical career advice and personal stories.

Lys Game, Client Manager, spoke about balancing work and study, while Shanan Symes, Associate, reflected on his international experience and the importance of developing both technical skills and people skills. Mark Robinson, Director of Business Advisory Services, offered a broader view of the firm, including tips on recruitment, internal training and career progression from technical foundations to client relationship management.

Mark also took time to speak with students individually and made it clear that the team is open to further contact. He said he would be happy to speak with any students or career advisors who had questions following the visit.

These visits are part of a wider effort to connect students with real-world applications of their studies and to show what careers in business, finance and sustainability actually look like. Whether it was seeing global strategy in action at Zespri, exploring structured pathways at KPMG, or gaining insight into professional life at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, the students walked away with a stronger sense of direction and a few new aspirations.

If you are a business that would like to get involved by helping young people see what is possible within your workplace, get in touch with Dan Bromley, Vocational and Pathways Lead, to discuss how you can be part of this growing network of future-focused employers.