MEDIA RELEASE
13 January 2017
“The Bug Man”, Ruud Kleinpaste, to host BOP Young Fruit Grower Gala Dinner
Ruud Kleinpaste to entertain and educate BOP horticulturalists
BOP Young Fruit Grower competition winners to be announced at Gala Dinner
New Zealand’s advocate for 'creepy crawlies', “the Bug Man” aka Ruud Kleinpaste has been confirmed as MC for the Bay of
Plenty Young Fruit Grower gala dinner at the ASB Arena on Wednesday the 15th of February.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured Ruud. His advocacy to foster a younger generation to become science and
nature-literate works hand in hand with the direction the horticulture industry is heading”, says Nikki Johnson, CEO of
NZKGI. “Ruud has a great knack for combining laughter and entertainment while reconnecting people to nature.”
Ruud Kleinpaste is also looking forward to the evening; “Environmental Education and Community Engagement is becoming an
increasingly important facet of my activities and I’m pleased to be able to get to know some of horticultures upcoming
young leaders.”
Contestants will battle it out for the 2017 title by taking part in a series of competitive events followed by a speech
competition during the gala dinner. The overall winner is announced at the gala dinner.
The event is organised by industry partners who are committed to supporting the future of the horticulture industry and
recognising its talented future leaders. Such a challenging event tests their skills and acknowledges excellence in
horticulture.
Tickets to the gala dinner are $90 per person, with tables of 10 available. This includes a three-course meal and
entertainment. Networking drinks start at 5.30pm.
Tickets are still available but selling fast! Don’t miss out on this event – go to the website and book your tickets
now! www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz
Photo attached to email: Ruud Kleinpaste. Rights: www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz
ENDS