Dean Astill reflects as Young Horticulturist of the Year comp turns 20
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
Judd was up against six other finalists representing different sectors within the horticulture industry and represented the Young Grower of the Year (Horticulture New Zealand Fruit & Vegetable Sectors). He currently works as an orchard sector manager with T&G Global in Hawkes Bay.
The 26 year-old has been with T&G Global – a grower, distributor – for five years. He joined the company when he moved to Napier, after graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agriscience majoring in horticulture.
Sam Bain, a vineyard manager employed by Villa Maria Estates in the Hawkes Bay, came second. Meanwhile, Courtney Chamberlain – who is the assistant manager of Hadstock Farm, near Christchurch – came third.
The competition is now in its 17th year and the seven competing sectors were: Young Amenity Horticulturist (New Zealand Recreation Association); Young Achiever (New Zealand Plant Producers incorporated); Young Florist/Flower Grower (FLONZI Florists and Flower Growers NZ Incorporated); Young Landscaper of the Year (Registered Master Landscapers New Zealand); Young Viticulturist of the Year (NZ Winegrowers); and Young Grower of the Year (Horticulture New Zealand Fruit & Vegetable Sectors).
The seven competitors were selected as finalists after competition placings within their own industries. Finalists were judged across several challenges including practical skills, industry expertise, leadership ability, business knowledge and communication.
Young Horticulturist chairperson Hamish Gates says the Young Horticulturist of the Year event offers an opportunity like no other for emerging leaders to challenge themselves and refine their skills.
“The confidence finalists gain within our event sets them up to take on bigger challenges in their daily lives. We strive for one thing – to seed the future now,” he says.
During the finals, competitors were involved in leadership interviews, were asked to present their views on sustainability, tackled an innovation project, prepared and presented a speech, and were challenged on various practical skills.
Judd’s first prize includes a $7,500 Travel, Accommodation and Professional Development Package. The first prize also includes $1,250 ICL Fertilisers vouchers, a one-year membership of The New Zealand Institute of Agricultural & Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) and a selection of Aorangi Merchant products.
Judd encourages other young people to strive to compete in the Young Horticulturist Competition.
“It’s opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in our sector and has helped me gain the confidence in myself to take further leaps.”
Gates says the Young Horticulturalist competition is important for horticulture in New Zealand and couldn’t occur without the support of official partners – T&G Fresh, Countdown, and Fruitfed Supplies – as well as the friends and supporters of the competition such as Hort News.
