Tai Nelson, Vineyard Manager at Soljan’s Estate, took out the title of Auckland, Northern Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023.
The first 2023 Young Vit regional finals were held at The Hunting Lodge in West Auckland on Thursday, 8th June, where contestants from across the large Auckland, Northern region competed for the title.
Congratulations also go to Leon Henson from Vinetrak, who came second, and Tobia Ficini from Stonyridge, who came third. The other contestants, George Lewis and Nicole Reynolds, also did themselves proud.
“It was great to see them giving it their all, wanting to stretch themselves and have some fun along the way,” said Adam Yukich, Auckland, Northern Young Vit Chair.
“It’s what Young Vit is all about.”
The contestants were tested on various viticultural skills, including pruning, budgeting, biosecurity and public speaking. The challenging BioStart Hortisports was held at lunchtime, followed by the Fruitfed Supplies BBQ and a quiz.
The contestants delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner tackling current issues for the New Zealand wine industry.
Tony Soljan from Soljans Estate was the guest speaker and captivated the audience as he spoke about the history and resilience of the West Auckland wine industry. It was inspiring to hear how early Dalmatian settlers paved the way for a booming New Zealand wine industry.
“It was wonderful to bring together pioneers from the past and the future in one room. It was powerful, and this passion over the decades has and will continue to make our industry very special,” said Nicky Grandorge, Leadership and Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
Tai Nelson, 24, will represent Auckland in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay at the end of August. He will compete against other contestants from around the country, whose regional finals are being held over the coming weeks.
Some great prizes were won, including a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip and AEG power tools for Tai, who also scooped up the BioStart Hortisports and Ecotrellis section prizes. Leon Henson won an NZSVO Educational Trip to Hawke’s Bay, and Gareth Lewis won the Ormond Nurseries Professional Reputation Award.
Tai will now be in with the chance of winning even greater prizes at the National Final. These include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, a Leadership Week, Electrocoup electronic secateurs, AEGower tools and cash.
The competition is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Agritrade, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Villa Maria-Indevin, Waterforce, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline.
