Hamish Gates from Pukekohe has beaten off tough competition from four other entrants to be crowned New Zealand Young Vegetable Grower 2015.
The day-long competition in Pukekohe on 16 April, supported by Horticulture New Zealand, saw competitors battle it out in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful vegetable growing business.
Hamish (24), works at AS Wilcox & Sons as a carrot washline supervisor and has won a travel grant for professional development valued at $2,500.
Hamish also won a one-day media and presentation course in Wellington, an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 Young Grower of the Year title in August and attendance at the 2015 Horticulture New Zealand Conference. “Winning the competition was really unexpected and this year’s had some of the best young growers I’ve met,” said Mr Gates. “I’m looking forward to competing in the national Young Grower title and will be stepping up my preparation over the next few months.”
Kiran Hari, co-ordinator of the competition, said: “It’s great to see how much talent our young growers have. We know that our industry demands a lot, and we’re looking forward to seeing our young talent continue to progress and grow their careers over the coming years.”
Michael Anderson (29) from Canterbury was placed second and third place went to Lance Pratt (29) from Pukekohe.
For more information, visit www.younggroweroftheyear.co.nz