Tuesday, 01 October 2024 14:27

Six finalists to compete for Grower of the Year title

Written by  Staff Reporters
HortNZ acting chief executive Michelle Sands. HortNZ acting chief executive Michelle Sands.

Six of New Zealand’s top young horticulturalists will put their skills to the test in the national Young Grower of the Year final in Hastings next week.

Finalists from the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Central Otago, and Pukekohe will compete in a series of challenges at the Tōmoana Showgrounds on October 9.

These include excavator operation, nutrition and fertigation, innovation, integrated pest management, agrichemical stewardship, horticulture biosecurity, fencing and repairs.

The winners will be announced at the annual gala dinner at Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre on October 10, where finalists will also take part in the Balance Leadership panel and FMG speech competition.

HortNZ acting chief executive Michelle Sands says the Young Grower of the Year event and the regional competitions, which are run independently of the national final, play an important role in supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

“The regional organisers who host and run the programmes do a great job and it’s very exciting to see such a high calibre of talented young people coming through these to compete for the national title,” Sands says.

“HortNZ takes great pride in hosting the national final in different parts of the country every year and we appreciate the support we receive from growers and our sponsors,” she adds.

The 2024 regional winners are:

  • Bay of Plenty: Lilah Rosenfeldt, a trial specialist at Zespri International
  • Gisborne: Pip Terekia, a trainee orchard manager at Apata Group
  • Hawke’s Bay: Grace Fulford, a quality and compliance manager for T&G
  • Nelson: Farrah Richards, packhouse packaging and inputs with Fairfield Orchards
  • Central Otago: Luke St John, a packhouse manager for Fortune Fruit Company
  • Pukekohe: Jamie Wells, an agronomist with Balle Brothers

To purchase tickets to the gala dinner, head to www.younggrower.co.nz

More like this

HortNZ supports new water storage plan

Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.

Vegetable growing at risk

Horticulture New Zealand says the country’s ability to provide fresh, healthy vegetables is at risk unless the Government makes growing them a permitted activity.

Featured

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter