Monday, 09 June 2014 10:50

Hawkes Bay Young Fruitgrower named

Written by Pamela Tipa

font size decrease font size increase font size

GRAEME HODGES has won the 10th Hawke's Bay Young Fruit Grower 2014 competition, defeating eight other contenders from around the region.

Hodges, 29, works at Rutherglen Orchard as an orchard manager. Based in Havelock North, he won $1000 cash, a grant of $500 donated by Pickmee Education Scholarship for further training and development, a trip to Nelson provided by Turners and Growers and a wheel barrow full of horticultural supplies from Fruitfed Supplies in Hastings.

"I found myself applying all my experience throughout the competition. It was full on - the other guys really knew what they were doing and that meant I had to put my best foot forward at every stage," says Hodges.

Nine young fruit growers battled it out on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June at the Hawke's Bay A&P Society Showground in Hastings, undertaking a range of theoretical and practical challenges that tested skills required to run a successful fruit growing business.

As a Young Grower of the Year finalist, Hodges also won a one-day media and presentation course in Auckland and an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2014 Young Grower of the Year title in August.

"It's such a great feeling to walk away with the top prize, and I'm looking forward to competing at a national level in August. These competitions are an outstanding opportunity for any young grower in New Zealand. I'd recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting ahead in the industry and encourage employers to push suitable candidates into the competition." says Hodges.

"We are incredibly pleased with the results this year. All the young fruit growers did a great job and everyone was watching them eagerly as they progressed through the challenges," says Robyn Stallard, co-ordinator of the competition.

"After a close competition with eight competitors, I'm confident Graeme will give young growers from the rest of the country a real run for their money at the national competition."
Jamie Kershaw (29) from Mr Apple New Zealand's Close Orchard in Mangateretere was placed second, and Lewis Houkamau (29) from Crasborn Group in Flaxmere took third place.

Images from the Hawke's Bay Young Fruit Grower 2014 competition are available on request.

More like this

Hawke's Bay Fruit Growers Urged to Prepare for El Niño

Hawke's Bay fruit growers are being reminded of the need to prepare for whatever the El Niño weather system may bring in the coming months.

Mastering Wine: What "Sense of Place" Really Means in Wine

“The first conviction we need as wine drinkers,” Andrew Jefford once wrote, “is to spend less time thinking about grape varieties, and pay more attention to the places wines come from and the cultures in which they come into being. All the grape variety does is present a spectrum of opportunities.”

One Vineyard, Three Chardonnays, One Charity Auction

When Kate Lattey and Koldo Santamaria planted their dream vineyard in 2020, they knew they wanted to work with winemakers who shared their passion for wine “and expressing what the land can say”.

Australia's Winemaker of the Year to Speak at NZ Chardonnay Symposium

One of Australia's most decorated winemakers will speak at the Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium in Hawke's Bay this September.

Hawke's Bay to Host Great Wine Capitals Conference 2026

The 26th Great Wine Capitals International Annual Conference will be held in Hawke's Bay from 18 - 22 October, in a landmark moment for New Zealand's wine and tourism industries.

Featured

Ballance Welcomes National's Policy on Securing Fertiliser Supply Contracts

Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.

Carrfields Appoints Stu Hall as Chief Operating Officer

Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.

NZ Apple Growers Ready to Share Expertise in India

New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.

James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower of the Year

The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.

Rabobank Launches HortPathways for Emerging Hort Leaders

Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.

Young Horticulturist of the Year: Meet the Five Finalists

There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.