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.
He was up against 10 other contestants.
“I entered the competition to increase my self-confidence,” says Singh.
“It has been great to meet other people in our diverse industry and I feel there’s lots of learning to do. My aim is to help the horticulture industry meet the change challenges that it is facing.”
Singh will represent the Gisborne commercial fruit and vegetable growing community at the National Young Grower of the Year final in Nelson in September, where six other regional finalists will compete for a share of more than $30,000 worth of prizes.
NZ Apples & Pears Chief Executive, Terry Meikle says he feels the Gisborne horticulture industry is in really capable hands.
"The diversity of thought and talent on display in today’s competition has been amazing. It points to an incredibly positive future for growers in the region."
HortNZ Chief Executive, Nadine Tunley says that the annual, national Young Grower of the Year competition plays a vital role in bringing the fruit and vegetable growing community together.
"The operating environment continues to be really tough for growers across New Zealand. That is why it is heartening to see Gisborne’s support for the competition and the really high number of entries this year.
"The event is a great chance for people to come together to support and celebrate our young and talented future leaders."
The Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition is made possible with sponsorship from the Horticentre Charitable Trust, NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust, ANZ, HortNZ, and the family of supporting sponsors from the Gisborne horticulture community.
