Young Bay of Plenty grower top of the crop!
Thursday 21 June 2012, 5:45PM
By Ideas Shop
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Joel Wanhill has been named the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower 2012 beating off tough competition from four other finalists hailing from Te Puke and Tauranga.
The award presentation, held at the Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui, on June 20, was the culmination of a day-long event involving a series of mental and physical challenges which are essential to success in the horticulture industry.
Joel Wanhill (24) works as a General Orchard Worker for the Edkins family orchards in Te Puke. He wins a $1,500 cash prize and will go on to compete for the national title at the Young Grower of the year competition being held in Auckland at the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in July.
Joel said the competition was challenging but very rewarding.
“This was a real mental and physical challenge for me but I’m thrilled to have taken the title and it feels really rewarding to be able to represent the Bay of Plenty at the final next month.
“It was great to be able to show my family, friends and workmates how much I’ve learnt during my time as a fruit grower. I think I’ve really proved myself and I’m looking forward to what the national competition has in store for me.”
Second place went to Adam Bond (26), Orchard Supervisor for Canon Road Ltd, Katikati, and Tim Webb (30), Deputy Manager for Chilson Hill Orchard, was placed third. Joel also took home the award for Supreme Practical.
Mike Chapman, from NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, says: “I was encouraged to see the high standard of this year’s contestants and believe the Bay of Plenty young growers are a testament to the region’s strong horticulture community.
“The Young Grower competition is a great way to promote excellence within the industry and I look forward what next year’s competition has to bring.”
About the Horticulture New Zealand Young Grower of the Year Competition
The Young Grower of the Year Competition assesses the horticultural skills and knowledge of young fruit and vegetable growers throughout New Zealand. The focus of the competition is to recognise young people working in the horticulture industry, develop their skills, and foster leadership. Participants will compete for a range of awards and trophies, which come with various cash prizes, as well as all expenses paid attendance at the 2012 Horticulture New Zealand Conference and the National Young Horticulturalist of the Year Competition.