Discover the Agribusiness epicentre for New Zealand right here at St Paul’s Collegiate School. Recognising the growing demand for skilled professionals in the primary industries, St Paul’s joined forces with key industry players such as Dairy NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, and eleven primary sector organisations. Together, we pioneered New Zealand’s first Agribusiness curriculum tailored for secondary school students.
At St Paul’s, the Agribusiness programme is a comprehensive study encompassing plant science, soil science, food science, microbiology, agri-management and finance, economics, digital technologies, agri-innovations, agri-marketing, primary production processes, future-proofing, growing value, and international trade. The school has vegetable gardens, an orchard, a greenhouse and beehives that the students use in their study. They also take trips to the industry for learning.
This academic course goes beyond the traditional boundaries, exposing students to a diverse range of skills required in the primary sector, extending up to and beyond the farm gate. Offered at NCEA Level 2 and 3, the Agribusiness curriculum is specially designed for students excelling in science and commerce.
It is taught under four strands:
- Agri-science
- Agri-marketing
- Agri-management and finance
- Agri-innovation
Annual Crocodile Pit
Each year, Year 13 students work in groups to develop an initiative that could benefit the Agribusiness market. Students present a business plan in a challenge called The Crocodile Pit, which mimics The Dragon’s Den. Supported by Rabobank, the competition encourages students to apply their agribusiness knowledge in a practical setting. Winning teams are invited to attend Fieldays to showcase their ideas in the Innovation Tent.
St Paul’s teams have enjoyed success in the Innovation Tent, with past students winning the Young Innovator of the Year award.
- 2025: KiwiPrune
- 2023: Capra Skin Goat Milk Lip Balm
- 2020: Flash Flow Ltd
- 2019: Bobble Trough
- 2018: Gudgeon Guard
- 2017: De-Fence
- 2016: Crankholder
