James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
Simon Cook, Dermott Malley and Shaun Vickers take up their positions following director elections at HortNZ’s annual general meeting in Wellington on August 26.
Cook grows kiwifruit and avocados in Te Puke, in the Bay of Plenty. He is chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), the kiwifruit industry’s biosecurity body.
Malley has extensive experience in the commercial and horticultural sectors. He is currently chair of Onyx Capital Ltd, a Northland-based integrated horticultural enterprise that pioneered advanced growing techniques in kiwifruit, kiwiberries, and hydroponic berryfruit production, and is deputy chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health.
Vickers, a past winner of the national Young Grower of the Year competition, is currently general manager clients, orchards and business development at Apata Group. He leads several business units, including Apata GROW, managing over 530 hectares of kiwifruit orchards and developing more than 250 hectares across three regions.
He also has a shareholding in a 14-hectare orchard near Edgecumbe.
HortNZ chair Bernadine Guilleux says the new directors bring a valuable mix of governance experience, operational expertise and sector insight.
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“Growers have had the opportunity to select leaders who will make key decisions on behalf of their industry good body, and I’m confident that they will work in the interests of all growers.
“Succession at the governance level helps ensure HortNZ remains future-focused and effective in its advocacy. We’re looking forward to the contribution each new director will bring to the board table.”
Guilleux also acknowledged the significant contribution of Barry O’Neil, Hugh Ritchie and Kathryn de Bruin, who are stepping down from the board this year.
“Barry and Hugh have each completed their maximum terms, and we thank them for their service, particularly through a period of enormous change and challenge for the horticulture sector. Their leadership, insight and commitment to growers have been invaluable,” Guilleux says.
“Kathryn brought a thoughtful and practical voice to the table, and we are grateful for the time, energy and expertise she contributed, in particular, her accountancy experience.”
