Grower wins title for Bay

Bay of Plenty's 2014 Young Grower of the Year has scooped the competition's national title, with the accolade being announced at last night's awards ceremony in Christchurch.

But most Bay growers might not know Patrick Malley – he comes from Northland.


Patrick Malley is the 2014 Young Grower of the Year.

The 30-year-old entered and won the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower 2014 title in June because his region doesn't have a young grower event – and winning this saw him continue to the national contest for the BOP.

Patrick, who works for Onyx Capital kiwifruit and avocado orchard in Maungatapere, says winning the national title is a real privilege and he's proud to have competed against other such talented competitors. 'I'm absolutely delighted to have won the competition.

'I am proud to take this award back to Northland and Bay of Plenty, but I really hope my success will encourage other young people from across New Zealand to get into this awesome industry,” says Patrick.

Going head-to-head against three fellow regional winners in a series of practical and theoretical challenges, the competition aimed to test Patrick's essential industry knowledge and skills to win the national title.

'The competition has been such a great experience and I have learned so many new skills, which I will be using every day in my job.”

Horticulture New Zealand president Julian Raine says the competition is a testament to the outstanding level of talent in the country.

'Year-on-year we are always blown away by the high standards of our finalists, and this year was no different.

'Patrick was clearly able to demonstrate the strong skills and experience needed to succeed in this industry. He's been clearly committed to this competition from the start – and his hard work has paid off.”

The challenges ranged from a budgeting exercise on orchard profitability to an irrigation test and assembly of a squash crate.

Competitors also had to participate in a leadership panel discussing the role of associate directors of grower boards to the industry, and present a three-minute speech on ‘What makes the best grower?' to dinner guests.

As Young Grower of the Year 2014, Patrick wins $2000 cash and goes on to compete at the 2014 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition in November.

Patrick was also named the Young Fruit Grower of the Year 2014, and wished to recognise and thank the supporters behind the competition.

'A lot of generous support makes Young Grower of the Year possible. It shows the value it adds for horticulture and why getting behind youth is essential to our industry's success,” says Patrick.

He also won the Best Speech Award and Outstanding Leadership Award, while all finalists received $1000 towards personal development.

The three other competitors were:

  • Nelson Young Fruit Grower 2014 - Steve Thomas, kiwifruit new variety manager and coolstore manager for Thomas Bros, Riwaka.
  • Young Vegetable Grower 2014 - Brett Parker, assistant crop manager for Hinemoa Quality Producers, Pukekawa.
  • Hawke's Bay Young Fruit Grower 2014 - Graeme Hodges, orchard manager at Rutherglen Orchard, Havelock North.

The 2014 competition is the sixth run by Horticulture New Zealand and is supported by platinum sponsor NZ Horticentre Trust.

NZ Horticentre Trust trustee Tony Ivicevich says his organisation is proud to support young leaders of the horticulture industry in competitions like Young Grower of the Year.

'It's a great way for them to showcase their talent and aspirations as the future of horticulture in New Zealand.”

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