Six young horticulturalists, including one from Northland, will be pitting their skills against each other in February as they vie for the title of 2017 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the year.

The contestants first go head to head at the Te Puke A&P Show on Saturday, February 11, where they will take part in four practical and four theory competitions as well as hosting some children's events including snakes and ladders and apple bobbing.

Then on Wednesday February 15 they face their final challenge, delivering a speech to the audience at a gala dinner where the MC will be 'the Bug Man” aka Ruud Kleinpaste, and the overall winner of the contest will be announced.

As Northland doesn't have its own regional contest, the organiser of the Bay of Plenty event have once again welcomed a contestant from Whangaeri.

The contestants are:

Aaron Wright, Regional Manager, EastPack, Te Puke

Aaron, 26, is a Regional Manager in the EastPack Kiwifruit Operations team based in Te Puke. Growing up on a kiwifruit orchard Aaron discovered the enjoyment of an ‘outdoor office' at a young age and has earnt a degree in Horticulture from Massey University. Prior to his current role Aaron spent four years managing a large portfolio of orchards and is passionate about horticulture, specifically in the area of the science and management of kiwifruit.

Danni Van Der Heijden, Avocado Services, Trevelyan's Pack & Cool, Tauranga

Danni, 23, works in avocado services at Trevelyan's based in Tauranga. She has a Bachelor of Science majoring in biology and chemistry. Prior to her current role, Danni managed the new cultivar programme for New Zealand Avocado and was instrumental in its revival and progress over a period of two years. Danni also has experience in presenting at field days and industry events to communicate results of research projects to industry members.

Erin Atkinson, Technical Advisor, Apata Group Limited, Te Puke

Erin, 29, works as a Technical Advisor for Apata Group based in Te Puke. Having placed third in last year's competition Erin is passionate about promoting horticulture as a solid career option and has previously attended career expos alongside NZKGI and HortNZ. With a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Erin has spent most of her working life in the horticulture industry and looks forward to assisting growers strive for success for many years to come.

Hamish Mckain, Production Manager Kiwifruit, Harvest Manager Avocados, DMS, Te Puna

Hamish, 26, works as a manager in both kiwifruit production and avocado harvest for DMS based in Te Puna. Hamish has a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Marketing and HR. Having grown up surrounded by the horticulture industry Hamish is passionate about horticulture and is continually learning new skills. Hamish has recently purchased his first avocado orchard which has been a long term goal.

Hohepa Tatana, Senior Assistant Orchard Manager, Onyx Horticulture Limited, Whangarei

Hohepa, 29, is a Senior Assistant Orchard Manager for Onyx Horticulture Limited based in Whangarei. Hohepa has completed both orchard skills in kiwifruit and advanced skills in kiwifruit Level 4 through Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. While his role is mainly focused on kiwifruit, Hohepa is also experienced in working with avocados, raspberries and figs. While still fairly new to the horticulture industry he is looking forward to being part of its development in the Northland region.

Nikesh Gurung, Supervisor/Assistant Manager, Bay Gold Limited, Te Puke

Nikesh, 27, is a Supervisor/Assistant Manager for Bay Gold Limited based in Paeangaroa. He is currently working towards a National Certificate in advanced horticulture Level 4 following successful completion of Level 3. Previously working alongside his father managing a horticulture contracting company, Nikesh takes pride in being able to relate to people of all ages and different cultures. This is Nikesh's second year entering the competition and he is looking forward to gaining more confidence, knowledge and skills in the horticulture industry.

Tickets to the gala dinner are $90 per person, with tables of 10 available. This includes a three-course meal and entertainment. Networking drinks start at 5.30pm.

To book tickets go to: www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz