Jamie Wells, Balle Bros, wins this year’s event

Thanks to Hamish Frizzell and Peter Butler from the BNZ’s Pukekohe Agribusiness Partners team for inviting Marie and I to the awards dinner on Friday 17^th of May.   BNZ are a long-term sponsor of PYGOY event.

Congratulations to the winner of the event Jamie Wells, Agronomist, Balle Brothers.  Jamie will represent the Pukekohe region in the national finals, held on the 9^th and 10^th of October in the Hawkes Bay later this year.

A special mention to contestants – Bethany Lang, 21 years, Glasshouse Technician, T&G and Peter Schreuder, 28 years, Head Grower, Gourmet Waiuku Ltd for representing the covered crop industry.  Both did an amazing job and hopefully will be back again to compete for the title in the future.

This year’s venue for the competition and dinner was held at La Valla in Tuakau. There was a superb attendance of at least three hundred growers, suppliers, and industry partners at the event.  The food, service and organisation were first class.  Congratulations to all the organising committee on a slick and well-run event.   Thanks to the Platinum Sponsor for the Pukekohe regional contest SPS (South Pacific Seeds).  There are still five other regional finals, with Central Otago this coming Friday.

• Central Otago – 24 May 2024
• Hawke’s Bay – 6 & 7 June 2024
• Nelson – 27 June 2024
• Gisborne – 27 June 2024
• Bay of Plenty – 17 July 2024

For more information about the regional events go to https://www.younggrower.co.nz/regional-events/

Special mention to The Horticentre Trust the Platinum Sponsor of the Young Grower of the Year competition.   The winner of the National Final will also have the chance to participate in the Young Horticulturist of the Year