Competition seeks hands-on achievers

Competition seeks hands-on achievers

The call is now out for talented young New Zealand horticulturists to put themselves forward to enter their industry sector competitions, with the view of ultimately competing for the honour of being 2012’s top horticultural industry achiever.

Successful candidates from: The Fruit Sector of Horticulture NZ and the Vegetable Sector of Horticulture NZ; Floriculture, which includes Florists NZ Inc (FLONZI) and NZ Flower Growers; Landscaping New Zealand; Nursery and Garden Industry Association; NZ Recreation Ass'n - Amenity Horticulture and NZ Winegrowers will go on to compete at the Grand Final of the Young Horticulturist of the Year in Auckland on November 14 & 15th.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition, which is managed by the RNZIH Education Trust, is in its eighth year. Past winners have included a tomato grower, a nurseryman, a fruit export manager, a vineyard manager and three viticulturists.

Last year’s winner Ben Smith, a grower/manager for speciality tomato grower Status Produce, based at Tuakau, says horticulture isn’t just sitting on a tractor for nine hours doing loops around a paddock.

“There is a lot more involved. My morning started off with payroll, then I was involved in a staff meeting - getting the right people moving in the right direction, I went on to change the plan for our white fly control for the day and repaired an irrigation system. That’s four disciplines before lunch.

“A horticultural career can involve management, science, engineering, chemistry and HR. It is multi-disciplined and a very fulfilling thing to do.

“I urge young horticulturists to enter their sector competition. You never know how it will turn out. Just winning your local event, you will receive similar benefits to what I received as the competition’s overall winner, especially in terms of the confidence gained. Confidence definitely builds confidence.”

Competition organiser Elenka Nikoloff said there are some great opportunities for young people to further their skills and knowledge through the activities offered at the sector competitions and the Young Horticulturist of the Year Grand Final.

“There are rewards for all participants entering the sector competitions, from meeting like-minded individuals, to networking with key industry people. There is also the opportunity to win prizes while enjoying the experience.

“The sector competitions, as well as the Grand Final, bring together young people who are good all-rounders, with sound knowledge of horticultural practices and good practical skills that have been learnt on the job. Every year we seek people who will try any challenge that is offered to them and who will look towards further education as a way to develop their talents.”

The Grand Final offers a prize pool of more than $40,000. The overall winner receives a selection of prizes, including a travel package to the value of $7,500. Second prize includes a Massey University study package to the value of $5,500.

In addition to the main prizes, there are a number of awards on offer: Finalists will prepare a business and marketing plan prior to the finals, with the aim of winning the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project $5,000 award. The finalist who receives the highest score for the practical activities during the grand final will receive a Turners & Growers travel scholarship valued at $3,500. A Fruitfed Supplies and Ballance Agri-Nutrients partnership offers a $2,500 scholarship to the finalist who shows the most promise as a future leader during the event and the finalist who receives the highest score for a range of activities, with a focus on crop management practices and sustainability, will receive a $2,500 Bayer scholarship.

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