“Brodie has a great Gisborne connection, having worked as a lifeguard here for a couple of summers, and that resonated well with the Gisborne crowd,” Mr Albers said.
In his address on the night, he acknowledged the effort and tenacity shown by all growers given the weather conditions and challenges over the last year-and-a-half.
“Last year when I said this had been the toughest season ever, I lied,” he said. “2023 made the 2022 season look like a walk in the park.”
The focus of the night was about looking forward and being positive, he said.
Awards were handed out for nine varieties of citrus and there was also a persimmons category.
Jack Jefferd won Young Grower of the Year while Most Improved went to Grant and Linda Fussell.
Growers were resplendent in a range of citrus-themed clothing, having embraced the call to dress up.
