The Bay of Plenty’s next generation of horticulture leaders will come together next Friday, June 19, at Mercury Baypark for the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition, held alongside Cultivate Your Career.

The combined event will run 9am to 2pm and is free and open to the public, bringing industry, students and the wider community together to showcase the breadth of opportunities within horticulture.

400-plus students

Event manager Sam Vicente‑Moa said more than 400 students from across the Bay of Plenty were expected to attend, with the day designed to give them a practical and engaging introduction to the industry.

Alongside the competition, attendees can take part in hands-on “give it a go” modules, speak with industry representatives, and experience the variety of roles horticulture offers.

“This event is about giving young people a clear picture of what horticulture really is,” Vicente‑Moa said.

“It’s an opportunity to see the skills, the people, and the pathways firsthand, and to understand that this is a modern, evolving industry with real career potential.”

Eight contestants

At the centre of the day will be this year’s Young Grower contestants, each representing a different part of the horticulture sector and bringing their own experience to the competition.

Competitor Aimee Barker‑Gilbert, who works at Hume Pack‑N‑Cool, has entered for a second year, building on more than a decade of experience working alongside growers and leading teams.

Jessie Blattmann, of Trevelyans Pack and Cool, will bring a strong production background, having progressed to become her company’s first female orchard manager, with experience both in New Zealand and managing orchards in Japan.

Navneet Kaur, of Seeka Limited, has worked across orchard and packhouse operations, developing an end‑to‑end understanding of the production process on her way to becoming a shift manager.

Also representing Seeka Ltd is Teriaki Williams, based in Ōpōtiki, who is passionate about promoting horticulture opportunities within his local community and encouraging others into the industry.

Danyon Robertson, of Verified Lab Services, will reflect the pace of progression possible within the sector. He had moved from seasonal work into a leadership role managing large-scale field operations across multiple regions.

Nanique Bonthuys, of Prospa – EastPack, will bring a focus on continuous improvement and team development in orchard management, while Patterson Kelly, of Trevelyans Pack and Cool, would combine practical experience with formal horticulture study to support orchard performance and development.

Rounding out the group, William Kenna, of KWKiwi, will represent the next generation of his family’s business leadership, with a strong interest in innovation and sustainable growing.

Diversity

“These contestants highlight the diversity of the industry,” Vicente‑Moa said. “They’ve come through different pathways, but all demonstrate the skills and commitment that are shaping horticulture’s future.”

Vicente‑Moa said the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition remained a key event on the horticulture calendar, with strong support from across the sector.

“This is reflected in the gala dinner, to be held on the evening of June 19, which is now sold out, with more than 550 attendees expected, making it the largest event to date.”

Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition & Cultivate Your Career is at Mercury Baypark on June 19 from 9am-2pm. Entry is free.