Markhams sponsors NZ’s Young Viticulturist

Markhams sponsors NZ’s Young Viticulturist competition

New Zealand’s competition to find the best up-and-coming leaders within the viticulture industry has secured a naming rights sponsor and a more professional look.

Markhams Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors has confirmed naming rights’ sponsorship of the 2010 competition that includes three regional contests and a final held in conjunction with the prestigious national Romeo Bragato conference.

Inaugural local sponsors from the start of the competition in 2006, Markhams has grown its involvement as the competition has gained in reputation to its status now as the leading accomplishment for young viticulturists to win.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to this exciting industry that is such a strong economic contributor for New Zealand. The future of any industry is in ensuring ongoing strong guidance and this competition recognises and encourages those individuals who have those leadership abilities,” says Hamish Pringle, Markhams’ national wine industry spokesperson.

Markhams was the inaugural naming rights’ sponsor last year and in 2010 has added to its contribution by donating advisory time to the $14,000 prize pool, and instigating a logo to help add to the professionalism of the event.

The addition of a Dunedin-based firm to the national Markhams group of independently owned accounting firms, provides additional gloss to the Central Otago regional event being held on 16 July.

Two other regional contests are being held in Hawke’s Bay on 25 June and in Marlborough on 23 July, with the national final being held in Marlborough on August 25. The overall winner will then compete against winners from other horticulture sectors in the grand final of the NZ Horticulture ITO Young Horticulturist of the Year.

This title has been held by the Young Viticulturist winner in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

Contestants in both regional and national events are required to complete set tasks at a number of work stations and present a speech on a given topic. In addition, contestants compete in a timed eight activity ‘horty sports’ contest, and participate in a quick fire buzzer general knowledge quiz.

Markhams support of the wine industry is also evidenced in its bi-annual business confidence survey that is conducted around the country and is used as a benchmark tool by the both the wine and financial industries.

ENDS

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