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.
The HortNZ President’s Trophy recognises people with a passion for working on behalf of the horticulture industry, as well as a commitment to developing as a business leader and successful grower.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Stephens is shaping the future of the horticulture industry by example.
Stephens is a director of Wakatū Incorporation, which grows apples, kiwifruit and pears in its Motueka Orchards under the business, Kono.
She comes from a family of growers who are involved in land trusts that own and manage a collection of businesses.
She has also been involved in several governance groups and was a founding member of the Primary Sector Council. In 2016, she was awarded the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Woman Business Leader award.
“To Miriana, business is not just commercial – it involves being a kaitiaki of the whenua and moana, as well as being commercially responsible,” says O’Neil.
Stephens says she loves the horticulture sector.
"However, it is tough out there at the moment. That is why we must work together as a sector to realise our potential.
"I look forward to the future and what we can achieve together, despite our challenges."
