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 announcement was made at a gala dinner held in Nelson recently.
Whitehead was one of six regional finalists who vied for the grand title. This involved earlier local competitions and was followed by a series of practical and theoretical horticulture modules across two days - just before the final announcement. The competition encourages young people to take up a career in horticulture, as well as celebrating their success in the industry.
This was the second time Whitehead has entered the competition and says the experience has been valuable.
"It is a real privilege to be named the winner of this year's competition, especially given the impressive talent on display. It has been ana amazing experience that has boosted my confidence, providing networking opportunities and developed my horticulture skills," she says. "Taking part in this event and meeting other passionate growers has reaffirmed my passion for this career and my love of growing."
Whitehead says horticulture is such a rewarding industry to be involved in, with so much potential and opportunities for all.
"I can't wait for what the next chapter in this industry brings."
HortNZ president, Barry O'Neil, says the calibre of this year's contestants was exceptional.
"It's great to see such multi-talented young people emerging as the horticulture industry's future leaders."
He says horticulture has had more than its fair share of challenges over the past couple of years - especially with labour supply, adverse climate events, shipping disruptions, and the increasing cost and complexity of growing.
"These young people are well aware of these challenges and will be the generation who lead our industry through the next phase of this industry's development," O'Neil says.
"They see the potential of our industry to nourish a local and international consumer base that is more conscious of how its food is grown and get to the table. These young growers are also excited by the career opportunities the New Zealand horticulture industry offers them."
This year's other finalists were: Sarah Dobson of Pukekohe, Maatu Akonga from Hawke's Bay, Jacob Coombridge, Central Otago, Maninder Singh, Gisborne and Laura Schultz from Bay of Plenty.
