Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy
A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South Auckland, on December 18.
Maninder Singh from LeaderBrand, has taken out the title of Gisborne Young Grower of the Year for 2022.
He was up against 10 other contestants.
“I entered the competition to increase my self-confidence,” says Singh.
“It has been great to meet other people in our diverse industry and I feel there’s lots of learning to do. My aim is to help the horticulture industry meet the change challenges that it is facing.”
Singh will represent the Gisborne commercial fruit and vegetable growing community at the National Young Grower of the Year final in Nelson in September, where six other regional finalists will compete for a share of more than $30,000 worth of prizes.
NZ Apples & Pears Chief Executive, Terry Meikle says he feels the Gisborne horticulture industry is in really capable hands.
"The diversity of thought and talent on display in today’s competition has been amazing. It points to an incredibly positive future for growers in the region."
HortNZ Chief Executive, Nadine Tunley says that the annual, national Young Grower of the Year competition plays a vital role in bringing the fruit and vegetable growing community together.
"The operating environment continues to be really tough for growers across New Zealand. That is why it is heartening to see Gisborne’s support for the competition and the really high number of entries this year.
"The event is a great chance for people to come together to support and celebrate our young and talented future leaders."
The Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition is made possible with sponsorship from the Horticentre Charitable Trust, NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust, ANZ, HortNZ, and the family of supporting sponsors from the Gisborne horticulture community.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.

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