Six compete for young grower title

Bay of Plenty's top young growers are being put through their paces physically and mentally as they compete for the title of 2016 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year.

Taking place at Tauranga's Mills Reef today, the prestigious competition tests entrants' practical skills like operating machinery, plus their knowledge on a wide range of subjects pertinent to horticulture.


Nikesh Gurang taking part in the 2016 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year. Video Ross Brown.

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, before judges announce the 2016 winners.

New Zealand award-winning comedian and TV personality, Te Radar is the MC for gala dinner, which, due to popular demand for tickets will take place in a large heated marque in the Mills Reef grounds.

The public is welcome to watch and support entrants during the day sessions from 9am-3pm, and as well as the competition events, horticultural industries will be on display in the trade exhibits area.

Winner of the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition receives cash prize of $1000, the runner-up $750 and the second runner-up $500, and the winner has the opportunity to compete for the prestigious national titles of NZ Young Fruit Grower and Young Grower of the Year.

The 2016 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year entrants are:

  • Aaron Hokopaura, 25, grower services representative with Aongatete Coolstores Limited
  • Chris Clement, 29, technical operations, Apata Group Limited based in Te Puke
  • Ella Maxwell, 30, orchard productivity officer, Zespri International Limited
  • Erin Atkinson, 29, technical advisor, Apata Group Limited is based in Te Puke
  • Nikesh Gurang, 26, supervisor for Bay Gold Limited based in Paengaroa
  • Rishi Preet Singh, 26) is a crop manager for Bruntwood Farms based in Tauranga.

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