Young Whangarei fruitgrower wins Bay title

Patrick Malley (30), who works as a contracting manager/director for Onyx Capital Ltd battled it out against four other young fruit growers from Katikati, Tauranga and Te Puke for the title.

"The five of us put everything we had into the competition. I wasn't expecting to walk away with the top prize as it meant I had to beat four others who are at the top of their game, and it was a really close competition throughout the day," says Malley.

Malley won a $1500 cash prize, and as a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he 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.

"I know the national competition will be quite a step up from this, but with the support I've had getting to this point, I know I'll certainly be giving the other finalists a run for their money in August," says Malley.

"If you're a young fruit grower, you should definitely consider doing this competition next year. You get to meet some really supportive people who can help you with your career, and it's a good way to push yourself in all respects as a young fruit grower."

The day-long competition involved a range of practical and theoretical challenges to test skills necessary in running a successful fruit growing business, and took place at ASB Arena Bay Park in Mount Maunganui.

President of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), Neil Trebilco, says the competition is an opportunity for young fruit growers to put themselves out there and showcase their talent.

"We consistently see a high calibre of young fruit grower every year, and it's promising for the industry to know that they're being encouraged to push themselves professionally and personally from an early point in their career," says Trebilco.

Christ Clement (27) from Kiwifruit Vine Health in Tauranga took second place and won $1,000 cash, and Simon Bowker (27) from Hume Pack and Cool in Katikati secured third place with a prize of $500 cash.

Samantha Mansell (25) from Eastpack in Te Puke and Craig Ward (27) from Apata Group Limited in Katikati also competed. Images from the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower 2014 competition are available on request.