Gisborne's Young Grower of the Year has been announced, with the regional event taking place on a day with lovely weather, making the event all the more enjoyable for friends, family, sponsors, and other spectators.
Gisborne Young Grower organiser Nat Egan said they were happy that the sun they'd ordered had arrived on the right day, adding that it was great to have a regional final in Gisborne, especially with the season the region has just experienced. Egan continued that the competition was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the region's young growers.
Event sponsor BASF's senior technical services specialist, Tim Herman, stated that the company enjoyed supporting events that encouraged young people to enter the industry, adding that it was important for the horticulture sector to develop the next generation of growers.
Herman continued that the horticulture industry was an exciting one to be in, with it being a fast-paced sector with ups and downs and constant change creating opportunities for young people nationwide.
Bree Martinac, the orchard manager at Tatau Tatau in Wairoa, entered the competition because she felt isolated from where she was based, with the competition allowing her to meet and mingle with other young people with similar interests as her. She said she enjoyed the practical side of the competition the most, with it being an excellent chance to let off steam after a tough season.
Orchard hand at Coxco, Awatea Jobe, has been in the industry briefly, starting in the packhouse. Jobe enjoyed the outdoors more, moving away from the packhouse, the competition was a nerve-wracking opportunity which Jobe ended up loving.
An apple and kiwifruit manager for Thompson's Horticulture, Emily Samuel, won the Gisborne Young Grower of the Year 2023 in a very close competition.
Thompson said that hard work does pay off. With this being her third competition, she said that with her inclination to be a little competitive, the event was a perfect chance to build confidence, network, and have fun while trying something new.
Thompson will be joining five other regional finalists in Pukekohe in early October for the opportunity to win the Young Grower of the Year national title for 2023.
New Zealand Apples and Pears acting chief executive Jess Cranswick said events like the Young Grower of the Year created a connection that can last a career, which is essential for a career where growing operations can be small, and sometimes feel isolating.
Bringing young growers together gives them a chance to turn to each other for support and to spitball ideas they may feel comfortable doing with older growers in the industry.
Kate Trufitt, the retiring Horticulture New Zealand board member, said the Young Grower allowed regional finalists to benchmark with their peers from across the country, stating that different regions grow different crops. Therefore, finalists have the chance to learn from each other. Trufitt added that the competition also helps build industry networks and relationships and transferrable skills for other roles within the industry.
