Catherine Coogan

Career Start Graduate 2026
Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Massey University)

Why did I join Mr Apple?

I first heard about the programme through a family friend in Taihape who had a connection with Mr Apple, so it was really word of mouth. The programme stood out because it offered the opportunity to learn new skills, gain practical experience, and explore different areas of the business.

Moving to Hawke's Bay was also something that appealed to me. It was a chance to experience a new region and challenge myself outside of my comfort zone.

What was my experience like?

I've really enjoyed working with a wide variety of people and getting exposure to different sites across the business. Being able to see how different parts of the operation work has given me a broader understanding of the industry and the opportunities available within it.

My advice to the next graduate:

It's a great opportunity to move somewhere new, learn new skills, and gain valuable industry experience. Whether it's your dream job or a stepping stone towards another career path, there is a lot to learn and plenty to gain from the experience.

Nicole Petersen

Career Start Graduate 2026
Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing (Lincoln University)

Why I joined Mr Apple?

I applied for the programme because I had previous experience working in family-owned avocado orchards and wanted to gain experience in the apple industry. I was also interested in learning more about the corporate side of horticulture and seeing how it compared to working in orchards.

I first heard about the programme when Mr Apple was advertising an information evening at Lincoln University. I went along to learn more about it, and after hearing about the opportunities available, I decided to apply.

What was my experience like?

One of my highlights has been experiencing the peak harvest season, especially when things got really busy in the coolstores. It was a great opportunity to develop my problem-solving and adaptability skills in a fast-paced environment, which I think is valuable early in your career.

I also really enjoyed taking part in Hort Day Out, where I had the chance to mentor high school students interested in the horticulture industry. It was rewarding to share my experiences, and I learnt a lot myself through the different activities and learning sessions throughout the day.

My advice to the next graduate:

My biggest piece of advice would be to take every opportunity to learn. There are so many knowledgeable and experienced people across the business who are always willing to share their advice and experiences.

If there's an area of the business that interests you, don't be afraid to reach out to people and ask questions. It's a great way to learn more about different career pathways and make the most of your time in the programme.

Martha Eade

Bin Stores Coordinator / Career Start Graduate 2025
Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing (Lincoln University)

Why did I join Mr Apple?

I applied for the programme because it was a great opportunity to gain an understanding of how the company operates and to learn more about the horticulture industry. I first heard about the programme when Mr Apple came to Lincoln University and presented to students about the opportunity.

What was my experience like?

I've really enjoyed the opportunities the programme has given me. I've been able to spend time in lots of different departments across the business, which has helped me gain a better understanding of how everything works together. Being able to learn from different teams and experience different parts of the business has been a real highlight.

My advice to the next graduate:

I'd definitely encourage anyone who's interested to give the programme a go. There are so many opportunities across the business and you'll get to work with some amazing people who have a huge amount of knowledge and experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make the most of every opportunity to learn.