Fruitfed Supplies has supported the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition since its inception in 2005 and National Manager Duncan Fletcher says the reasons for this continued support remain as strong and compelling as ever.
“The Young Horticulturist showcases the depth and breadth of New Zealand’s horticulture sector in a unique way which helps to attract more young people to our thriving and exciting industry,” says Duncan. “The competition offers opportunities for our industry’s young leaders to learn and grow personally and professionally, and recognises their talents and capabilities. All these things make Fruitfed Supplies’ support of the Young Horticulturist competition a natural fit.
“Now I have the great pleasure of congratulating this year’s winner of the Young Horticulturist title, Nelson orchardist Meryn Whitehead, as well as the other six finalists who all put in an incredible effort throughout the grand final. Congratulations to you all and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.”
The Young Horticulturist of the Year took place in Karaka on 7 and 8 November where competitors were faced with an array of challenges to test their practical horticultural skills, leadership ability, speechcraft, business acumen, and industry knowledge.
Upon being named the winner, Meryn says she enjoys the variety of orchard work at Vailima Orchard and especially relishes the opportunity to encourage newer or younger staff members to push themselves, and to find the area of the business which they really enjoy. Now as Young Horticulturist of the Year, she’s even more committed to this: “I know I want to keep encouraging other people to take these chances and opportunities like this competition as it really pays off. And I want to pass on my passion for an industry I have stumbled into and want young people to see there are opportunities in this industry for anyone.”
Auckland’s Renee Johnson, this year’s Young Amenity Horticulturist, finished in second place; and in third place was Lydia O’Dowd of Christchurch, representing New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated.
The 2023 finalists were:
- Caleb Washington, an Operations Manager at Goom Landscapes in Christchurch and the Young Landscaper of the Year representing Registered Master Landscapers New Zealand.
- Jason Gwynn, an Arborist Team Leader at Waipa Networks Limited in Hamilton and the New Arborist representing the New Zealand Arboriculture Association Inc.
- Lydia O’Dowd, Head Propagator at Southern Woods Nursery in Rolleston and the Young Plant Producer of the Year representing New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated.
- Meryn Whitehead, a Team Co-ordinator at Vailima Orchard on the Waimea Plains and the Young Grower of the Year representing the Horticulture New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Sectors.
- Renee Johnson, a Team Leader with Bark Ltd in north Auckland and the Young Amenity Horticulturist representing the New Zealand Recreation Association.
- Sarah-Lee Ewe, the owner of a floral and styling business in Ramarama and the Young Florist/Flower Grower sector representative of Florists and Flower Growers NZ Incorporated (FLONZI).
- Tahryn Mason, a Grower Relations Partner with Indevin in Marlborough and the Young Viticulturist of the Year representing New Zealand Winegrowers.
