Young fruitgrower comp, tug of war at field day

A large crowd gathered at the National Horticultural Field Day yesterday as eight business teams went head to head in a classic tug-of-war competition.

Rockit Apple, known as "Rokinator" in the ring, won the final against Team Tumu with a rhythmic pulling technique that saw them bring the centred knot over the winning line within seconds of the siren going off.

Orchard manager and team captain Nathan Waites put the victory down to some handy practice the team had undertaken in the orchard the week before the competition.

"It was a bit wet underfoot but we had a few training sessions beforehand."

The team, made up of six men and two women, had practised in the days leading up to the event by tying a thick rope to a tractor, putting the handbrake on and tugging away.

Mr Waites said the team might celebrate with a beer after the day's work and would return next year to "defend" the title and trophy it had won.

Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association president Lesley Wilson said while the tug of war competition was a bit of fun to end what had been a great day, one of the big events for young horticulturalists was the Hawke's Bay Young Fruitgrower of the Year Competition.

The competition sees a group of young fruitgrowers vie for the title by undertaking a series of challenges that puts their entire skillset to the test.

"This year had the highest calibre of contestants we've ever had in terms of education levels," she said.

Contestants were yesterday challenged to demonstrate their skills in eight practical tests and will go on to complete a quiz and deliver a three-minute speech to a crowd of hundreds at a dinner event this weekend.

Ms Wilson said the high level of education in this year's contestants was due to the availability of (often free) apprenticeships and continued education for young people entering the horticulture industry.

"It is very exciting to see plenty of scope for young people coming into the industry in terms of education and innovation."

She estimated more than 5000 people had attended the field day, adding that the entire event contributed positively to enhancing the industry in New Zealand.

"It's about producing the best crop in the world."