Six young growers will pit their practical skills and knowledge against each other when they compete for the title of 2016 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year in Tauranga next week.

After a full day of judging, the entrants will be called upon to speak to an audience of 450 guests attending the gala dinner at Mills Reef Winery on Wednesday, June 22, before judges announce the 2016 winners.

'Interest in the event this year is so strong tickets for the dinner sold out within days so we have up-graded to the large heated marquee which can seat 450 people, and there are still a few tickets available,” says Lara Harrison of the organising committee.

New Zealand award-winning comedian and TV personality, Te Radar who is the MC for gala dinner, was chosen for his talent to combine laughter and entertainment with topical horticultural topics like sustainability.

Competing for the 2016 young grower title are:

Aaron Hokopaura, (25) grower services representative with Aongatete Coolstores Limited Katikati. Aaron is completing a Bachelor of Agriscience majoring in horticulture and completed the 2014 HortNZ Leadership Programme. This is the second time Aaron has entered the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition – placing third in last year's event. He has recently bought his first kiwifruit orchard – a long-term goal he has had since studying horticulture.

Chris Clement, (29) technical operations, Apata Group Limited based in Te Puke. He entered the kiwifruit industry in 2008 after studying for a Bachelor of Science majoring in horticultural science at Massey University. He also has a Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management. This is Chris's fourth year entering the competition, having placed second in two previous years. Chris returned to postharvest last year, following two and a half years at Kiwifruit Vine Health, working with packhouses and supporting growers impacted by the vine disease Psa-V.

Ella Maxwell, (30) orchard productivity officer, Zespri International Limited was born and bred in Te Puke, and has a Bachelor of Communication Studies and a Diploma of Science and Technology. Previous roles include technician and new cultivars technical leader at Plant & Food Research which has contributed to her understanding of kiwifruit science and horticulture.

Erin Atkinson (29) technical advisor, Apata Group Limited is based in Te Puke. With a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Erin has spent most of her working life in the horticulture industry. This includes working for NZ's largest glasshouse tomato producer and for a culinary herb grower. Erin is passionate about helping growers strive for success. With a strong background in compliance, health and safety and labour management, Erin is helping growers apply these components to their orchard operations.

Nikesh Gurang (26) is a supervisor for Bay Gold Limited based in Paengaroa. Nikesh has NCEA Level 1 and is currently working towards Horticulture Advanced Level 4. Previous to working at Bay Gold, Nikesh spent several years running a contracting company with his father providing labour skills and all types of canopy work. Nikesh is passionate about educating new staff and sharing knowledge and skills to ensure they achieve the highest standard of work.

Rishi Preet Singh (26) is a crop manager for Bruntwood Farms based in Tauranga. He has a National Diploma in Horticulture Level 5 and is working towards a Bachelor in Agriscience majoring in horticulture. Rishi Preet has been in the kiwifruit industry since 2008 and specialises in vine management and training new people to the industry. Prior to the kiwifruit industry Rishi Preet was a nurseryman growing Cymbidium bulbs, blueberries and kiwifruit vines.

Tickets to the gala dinner are $90 per person, with tables of 12 available. This includes a three-course meal and entertainment. Networking drinks start at 5.30pm.

Tickets are still available at www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz