Katikati man NZ Young Fruit Grower of the Year

Craig Ward from Katikati. Photo/Ross Brown

A Katikati man has been named Young Fruit Grower of the Year in the national awards overnight.

Craig Ward, 26, from Apata Group was announced the achievement in an awards ceremony in Christchurch last night.

Mr Ward, a techinical advisor, won the Bay of Plenty section of the awards in July. He was also named runner up Young Grower of the Year, behind Hamish Gates from AS Wilcox & Sons in Pukekohe.

Finalists went head-to-head in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to replicate those faced in an orchard or farm working environment.

The finalists also took part in a leadership panel discussion, before delivering a speec in front of the judges at a dinner event.