A Katikati-based kiwifruit grower focused on innovation has been named the Bay of Plenty’s top young horticultural talent for 2026.

William Kenna won the 2026 Bay of Plenty Young Grower regional title after competing against seven other contestants on June 19.

The 29-year-old is orchard and innovation lead at his family’s business, KWKiwi, where he combines practical orchard work with developing new technology to support the sector.

Kenna will now represent the region at the national Young Grower of the Year competition in Cromwell on August 27-28, where he will compete against six other regional winners, a Horticulture New Zealand media release said.

Before returning home in 2020, Kenna completed a degree in marketing and logistics and worked in the wider fruit and vegetable industry in Wellington.

At KWKiwi, the business is also involved in developing horticultural technology, including tools for non-destructive fruit measurement and forecasting, improved water use, and climate insights aimed at supporting growers across the industry.

Kenna said the role offered a mix of hands-on orchard work and innovation.

“I grew up learning about the business and really enjoy the opportunities for innovation and growing a great product, which is healthy and enjoyed by consumers around the world,” he said.

He said the competition played a key role in highlighting career pathways in horticulture and encouraging young people to develop new skills.

Runner-up in the regional event was Aimee Barker‑Gilbert, external operations manager at Hume Pack‑N‑Cool in Katikati, while third place went to Patterson Kelly, an orchard manager with Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool in Te Puke.

The Young Grower competitions are run regionally across the country, with the national final hosted by Horticulture New Zealand in a different location each year.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said the events recognise the calibre of young people working in the industry and promote the wide range of careers available.

“They do it to recognise and celebrate the very high calibre of young people we have working in the industry, and to demonstrate to others the many pathways horticulture offers into a wide range of interesting and rewarding careers,” she said.