Future in good hands

WINNER IN ACTION: Gisborne Young Grower of the Year winner Maninder Singh, who works for LeaderBrand, on the tractor during the day-long competition that involved practical and theoretical tests in a range of horticulture skills. Picture by Paul Rickard

Maninder Singh took out the 2022 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition ahead of 10 other contestants at Kaiaponi Farms.

The LeaderBrand worker will represent the Gisborne commercial fruit and vegetable growing community at the National Young Grower of the Year final in Nelson in September.

Pip Terekia, of kiwifruit producers Apata, was second and Tayla Hooper, from LeaderBrand, was third.

Maninder will face six other regional winners at the nationals. They will compete for a share of more than $30,000 in prizes.

“I entered the competition to increase my self-confidence,” he said. “It has been great to meet other people in our diverse industry and I feel there's lots of learning to do.

“My aim is to help the horticulture industry meet the challenges it is facing.”

A LeaderBrand spokeswoman said their team were “so proud” of Maninder and Tayla.

“This award cements what we already knew — that the future of the industry is in safe hands, and we're delighted that they are part of our LeaderBrand whanau.”

NZ Apples and Pears chief executive Terry Meikle said the Gisborne horticulture industry was in capable hands.

“The diversity of thought and talent on display in the Young Grower competition was amazing. It points to an incredibly positive future for growers in the region.”

The 11 contestants were tested over several hours in a range of horticulture-related skills — theoretical and practical.

HortNZ chief executive Nadine Tunley said the Young Grower of the Year competition played a vital role in bringing the fruit and vegetable growing community together.

“The operating environment continues to be really tough for growers across New Zealand,” she said.

“That is why it is heartening to see Gisborne's support for the competition and the really high number of entries this year.

“The event is a great chance for people to come together to support and celebrate our young and talented future leaders.”

Gisborne Young Grower of the Year is supported by the Horticentre Charitable Trust, NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Fruitgrowers' Charitable Trust, ANZ, HortNZ and supporting sponsors from the Gisborne horticulture community.