Vegetable grower from Pukekohe wins national horticulture title
Andrew Hutchinson from Pukekohe, Auckland, was crowned Young Grower of the Year at tonight’s awards dinner in his home
town. He has been identified by industry leaders as a shining example of the exceptional young talent in our $5 billion
horticultural sector.
Andrew, a technical support advisor at AS Wilcox & Sons secured the national title after pitting his skills, knowledge and experience against four other regional winners.
He won the title of Young Vegetable Grower earlier this year.
The Young Grower of the Year competition is run by Horticulture New Zealand and is now in its tenth year. HortNZ Chief
Executive, Mike Chapman, said Andrew had a bright future ahead of him and exemplified the capability of young people in
today’s rapidly growing horticultural industry.
Andrew is 28. Originally from Tauranga, he studied at Massey University earning a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring
in horticulture. He joined AS Wilcox & Sons several years ago, taking a for his OE. On his return to New Zealand he took up a new role as a technical support
advisor focused on potatoes.
As well as taking home the national title, Andrew received top marks for three of the five challenges including best
practical, best business, and innovation.
“I feel privileged to have won. The other growers are at the top of their game and it was a tough challenge. I am proud
to be able to keep this award here in Pukekohe,” says Andrew.
In something of a winning streak, last year’s winner, Hamish Gates, also worked for AS Wilcox & Sons in Pukekohe.
“I learned a lot from the competition and have gained a huge amount of confidence in my ability as a grower. Hopefully
my success will encourage other young people from across New Zealand to get into this great industry.”
During the competition the finalists competed in a series of practical and theoretical challenges to test the skills
needed to run a successful horticultural business. They also participated in a leadership panel discussion, before
delivering a speech in front of the judges at tonight’s dinner event, where Andrew’s win was announced.
Second place was awarded to Chris Clement from the Bay of Plenty. Jack Gilchrist from Roxburgh came third. Tomas Dalziel
from Nelson received top marks for his leadership skills on the leadership panel and Jordan James from Hawke’s Bay
received top marks for his speech.
Mr Chapman said the aim of the competition was to foster excellence amongst young growers and future-proof the $5
billion horticultural industry that exports 60% of total production to about 124 countries.
“Many of our current horticultural farm and orchard owners will be retiring in the next 15 to 20 years so need good
succession plans in place. It is heartening to see so many young talented horticulturalists out there who will be our
industry leaders of the future.”
ENDS