2021 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year named

The competition took place 22 July at Mount Maunganui College, where eight competitors tested their skills and ability to run a successful orchard in a series of challenges. These were followed by a speech competition at a gala dinner.

Morrison, a grower services representative at Seeka, excelled in individual challenges, and impressed judges with his speech.

Emily Woods came in second, while Quentin Swanepoel was third.

Erin Atkinson, chair of BOP Young Growers, says that the calibre of this year’s contestants has made the 2021 event special.

“The contests of this year’s BOP Young Grower competition have shown great potential for strong careers in the horticulture industry. The competition is the perfect environment to put their knowledge on display and it’s reassuring that we have such young talent coming through our industry.”

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) chief executive Colin Bond says these competitions are important to highlight the skills and careers associated with the horticulture industry.

“Horticulture is undergoing rapid change such as regulation and the make-up of the labour force. It is critical that we have skilled talent with careers in the industry to lead a pathway forward. The 2021 BOP Young Grower competition is an illustration of not only the careers available but that some of our young and upcoming people will hold the industry in good stead.”

Morrison will go on to compete in the national Young Grower of the Year competition, run by Horticulture New Zealand.