Eight contestants will take on theoretical and practical events, to test their knowledge and skills in a competitive and fast-paced environment at Mount Maunganui College in a bid to win the 2022 Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition.

The competition aims to inspire and acknowledge the talents of young people employed in the BOP's fruit and vegetable sectors – with the winner set to head to the national final of the NZ Young Grower on September 21-22 in Nelson.

With eight contestants now named – see their profiles below – all the action of the BOP competition is to happen from 9am-1pm at Mount Maunganui College on Wednesday, July 20.

Here, the fun-filled and challenging day tasks contestants to undertake a range of horticultural-related theoretical and practical activities as spectators watch on nervously.

To round off the day, a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening from 5.30pm-10pm at Trustpower Stadium Lounge, is for contestants participate in a speech competition – their last hurdle of the contest – with judges then deciding award winners and who will claim the coveted 2022 BOP title.

The 2022 winner receives $1500 plus the opportunity to represent the region in the national final; first runner-up receives $1000; and second runner-up $750, along with some amazing networking opportunities and chances to learn more valuable knowledge about their industry.

Winner of the national final in September will receive $12,000, a trophy and entry to compete at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition and represent the commercial fruit and vegetable sectors.

The BOP Young Grower competition has an emphasis on practical production – on or close to orchard/farm skills – and business skills associated with growing and industry knowledge.

The term ‘grower' includes those involved in growing plus roles closely associated with growing such as packhouse and coolstore employees. It does not include service providers such as bankers and consultants.

Bay of Plenty Young Grower for 2020, Melissa van den Heuvel, says entering the competition was an amazing experience – 'and one that I am very proud to have been involved in”.

'The competition was a challenge of both my practical and theory skills within the horticulture sector.

'Not only was I able to share the knowledge I have across different parts of the industry, but it was also an amazing opportunity to learn and extend these further, to meet other like-minded people, and to share my passion for the sector.”

Melissa says contestants get the opportunity to put themselves out there, to share their knowledge and also gain further industry insights in an event that is so well supported by the industry.

'BOP Young Grower is an important event to the industry as it showcases the ‘up and coming' members of the industry.

'It's a great promotion of what the horticulture industry has to offer and provides the opportunity for young people to share their passion, knowledge and skills.

'It is also a great way for the younger generation to be empowered, and to promote the industry and opportunities within it, to others looking for future careers.”

To learn more about the competition, visit: http://www.bopyounggrower.co.nz/

The 2020 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year – Contestant biographies

Daniel Kenna

Daniel grew up in Katikati, and after some time away studying and working in the South Island, now has a 10-second commute across the road to the orchard he manages in Aongatete. Daniel has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury, and he is interested in how to support the wider ecosystem around the orchard, which is next to a wetland area and the Tauranga Harbour. After university, Daniel worked as an abseiler on reconstruction efforts after the Kaikoura earthquake but decided to swap dusty construction sites for the lusher green of orchards, where he has been working since 2018. He is now an orchard manager for KWKiwi, and has recently led the conversion of a 4.5 hectare orchard from green to gold kiwifruit. Outside of work, Daniel is a keen op-shopper and always happy to get out on the water and go fishing when he can.

Emily Woods

Emily is a Katikati local, growing up on a small lifestyle block there. Emily found herself working in the horticulture industry after school, working her way from administration to running harvests to now working in kiwifruit grower services for Apata. She is now firmly committed to a career in horticulture, currently completing her Diploma in Horticulture. Working within the organics division at Apata, she particularly enjoys this method of growing – with its emphasis on a holistic, long-term, and regenerative approach. When she is not at work, Emily plays netball, crafts macrame and looks after her dog Merlot.

Geordie Waldron

Geordie spent his early years in Mount Maunganui before he moved out to Aongatete to attend Katikati College. He found his passion for growing through the horticulture department at the college, and after working in a packhouse progressed to a cadetship position at Hume Pack-n-Cool. In 2021 he was promoted to being an orchard manager, with responsibility for looking after a portfolio of orchards. He particularly enjoys the grower liaison aspect of this work, and loves talking to orchardists and understanding the history of the places they are working on. Geordie gets away camping on the weekend in his Landcruiser rooftop tent, and also works restoring cars – most recently a Ford Escort Mk II.

Gurjinder Singh

As a teenager, Gurjinder moved to Te Puke from India with his family. While still a secondary school student, he began working on the family kiwifruit orchard at Paengaroa. Following school he completed a Bachelor of Business Analysis at the University of Waikato. After this and while working as an accountant, he realised that he preferred orchard work and began working as an orchard manager. He has been working for Treveylans in an orchard manager role since 2021. Outside of work – which he doesn't really think of as work – Gurjinder is a keen weightlifter.

Josh Collier

Josh grew up and lives in Te Puke. His grandfather was one of the first Māori kiwifruit growers in the Bay of Plenty, so kiwifruit has been a part of his life forever. Josh got his start in his career through a cadetship at Seeka, where he undertook a range of different roles, including working with avocados for seven years. He is now an orchard manager there. Josh's aim is to purchase back his grandfather's former orchard. Being the father of a one-year-old, quality familty time is a big part of his ‘out of work' time, but he also enjoys playing golf and jiu jitsu when he can.

Laura Schultz

Laura grew up on her family orchard in the Bay of Plenty. After a diverse career across different countries that has included studying fashion design, yoga instruction, and working as a snowboard instructor, she returned home three years ago and realised her interest lay in growing avocados. Since then she has leased the family orchard and now takes full responsibility for it, alongside her work within the avocado improvement group at Trevelyans.

Sam Shergold

After completing a Bachelor of Business and Marketing, Sam found himself in the horticultural industry when he was offered a role working with Aongatete Avocados. Through this role he has dealt with the entire production line, from picking through to managing export arrangements. He particularly enjoys putting his study into practice through finding ways to innovate practices and improve efficiency. He is also a keen multi-sporter, having completed the Coast to Coast several times, including the one-day race.

Yanika Reiter

Yanika grew up on a small lifestyle block in Otumoetai, and she now lives on her own small avocado orchard in Aongatete. Yanika studied as a marine biologist, gaining a Masters of Science from the University of Waikato. She made the leap onto land after taking up a role as a biosecurity advisor for Kiwifruit Vine Health, which allows her to pursue her interest in biosecurity. Outside of work, she spends time with her spaniels, Murphy and Moose, and loves anything to do with the ocean, including free diving (when the sea is warm).