James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
Twenty-five scholarships worth $600 each are available.
The scholarships are part of HortNZ's annual programme of scholarships for New Zealand students with a special interest in the commercial fruit and vegetable production sector.
The scholarship is applied for at the beginning of the academic year and awarded pre-Christmas for keeping up with work and study throughout the year.
HortNZ chief executive, Kate Scott says the organisation is focused on supporting the next generation of achievers undertaking industry training or education with a vocational provider.
“Horticulture offers so many opportunities for people with a very wide range of interests and abilities," Scott says.
“That includes being able to earn while you learn, working with experienced mentors in interesting roles in orchards, greenhouses or field crops, or throughout the horticulture supply chain, while pursuing a direct pathway to gaining NZQA recognised qualifications.”
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Applicants for the Industry Training Scholarships must be active in the horticulture industry and be studying towards a certificate or diploma.
Applications close Sunday, 29 March.
