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Tai Nelson
Soljans Estate Vineyard Manager Tai Nelson will compete for the title of 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year in Auckland at the end of October.
Tai, the 2023 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year, will be up against four competitors from other horticultural sectors, showcasing their practical skills, leadership ability, speechcraft, business acumen, and industry knowledge.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
Nina Downer, New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year 2024, will compete against the best in the field on 5-6 November, including national winners from the arborist, florist, plant producer, amenity, and grower sectors.
Following one of the toughest vintages Auckland has experienced, Soljans Estate Vineyard Manager Tai Nelson was named New Zealand's 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year. He shares some of the highs and lows of a year of hard mahi.
Meryn Whitehead has taken out the coveted title of New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year for 2023.
Tai Nelson was 17 years old when his girlfriend Amber Soljans suggested he get a part-time job at her family wine company in West Auckland.
