Young Grower Gareth ahead of the Field

Gareth Holder, a 30 year old vegetable grower from Hawke’s Bay was crowned Young Grower of the Year last night at the Horticulture New Zealand Conference 2010.

The Young Grower of the Year competition was a day-long event held at Auckland’s SkyCity as part of this year’s Horticulture New Zealand Conference. It tested four regional finalists on a range of essential horticulture business and practical skills, including driving a tractor, employment relations and public speaking to more than 400 delegates.

Horticulture New Zealand President, Andrew Fenton said Gareth was a strong competitor from the outset.

“We could see that Gareth gave 100% in every challenge, he showed agility, confidence and has a real business and technical sense of the horticulture industry. Gareth has a bright future as a leader and we look forward to how to seeing how he progresses."

Gareth was excited by the win, saying it was a privilege to receive the award, especially given the caliber of his competitors. “I’m overwhelmed by the win; it’s a great reward for all the long hours I’ve invested in my industry. It’s a dream come true but it’s back to the fields tomorrow.”

In his day job, Gareth works as a field consultant for Abron Ltd. He has also recently started his own vegetable growing business in the Hawke’s Bay region with plans to grow both fresh vegetables and grain crops.

Gareth wins $6,000, a trip to Australia to learn more about their horticulture industry, a specially designed trophy and an All Blacks rugby jersey signed by the entire team awarded by platinum sponsor’s ZESPRI.

Gareth beat three fruit growers to win the national title as Young Grower of the Year. This is the first year that a vegetable grower has won the national title. Gareth will go forward to compete for the Young Horticulturist of the Year title in November representing the vegetable sector.

Second place went to the Young Fruit Grower of the Year, Jonathan Newby also from Hawke’s Bay, who won the competitions prize for best speech. He will also compete at the Young Horticulturist of the Year representing the fruit sector.

This will be the second year that the Young Grower of the Year competition has been held. Run by Hort NZ, the competition is supported by Platinum Sponsor ZESPRI International and others, who recognise and celebrate young leaders in the horticulture industry who have both excellent technical skills and leadership capabilities.

ZESPRI CEO, Lain Jager says, “We very pleased to be partnering with Horticulture New Zealand as the platinum sponsor for the 2010 Young Grower of the Year. Being a sponsor of the Young Grower has been awe-inspiring. This competition confirms a fantastic future for these growers and the horticulture industry.

“As the largest horticulture exporter in New Zealand, ZESPRI is focused on investing in the growth and development of our industry’s future talent. This competition is a wonderful way for young growers to take their horticultural careers to the next level.”

ENDS

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