Meryn Whitehead wins 2022 Young Grower of the Year

The 2022 Young Grower of the Year finalists (left to right): Sarah Dobson, Maninder Singh, Maatu Akonga, Meryn Whitehead, Jacob Coombridge and Laura Schultz

Meryn Whitehead, a 28-year-old supervisor at Vailima Orchard, has won the national title of 2022 Young Grower of the Year, held in Nelson.

Meryn was one of six contestants that vied for the grand title in a series of practical and theoretical horticulture modules on 21 and 22 September. The competition encourages young people to take up a career in horticulture as well as celebrating their success in the industry.

Despite being Meryn’s second year entering the competition, she says the experience was nonetheless valuable. “It has been an amazing experience that has boosted my confidence, provided networking opportunities and developed my horticulture skills,”

Meryn says. “Taking part in this event and meeting other passionate growers has

Winner of the 2022 Young Grower of the Year national title, Meryn Whitehead Hundreds of delegates attended the awards dinner in support of the young growers

reaffirmed my passion for this career and my love of growing. “Horticulture is such a rewarding industry to be involved in, with so much potential and opportunities for all. I can’t wait for what the next chapter in this industry brings.”

Horticulture New Zealand president, Barry O’Neil, says the calibre of this year’s contestants was exceptional. “It’s great to see such multi-talented young people

emerging as the horticulture industry’s future leaders,” Barry says. “Horticulture has had more than its fair share of challenges over the past couple of years, especially with labour supply, adverse climate events, shipping disruptions, and the increasing cost and complexity of growing. “Taking part in this event and meeting other passionate growers has reaffirmed my passion for this career and my love “These young people are well aware of these challenges and will be the generation who lead our industry through the next phase of its development. of growing” “They see the potential of our industry to nourish a local and international consumer base that is more conscious of how its food is grown and gets to the table. These young growers are also excited by the career opportunities the New Zealand horticulture industry offers them.”

2022 Young Grower of the Year winner: Meryn Whitehead 2022 Young Grower of the Year runner up: Sarah Dobson

2022 Young Fruit Grower of the Year: Meryn Whitehead 2022 Young Vegetable Grower of the Year: Sarah Dobson Best Practical: Meryn Whitehead Best Business: Sarah Dobson

Best Innovation: Sarah Dobson

Best Speech: Maatu Akonga Outstanding Leadership: Laura Schultz and Jacob Coombridge.

1 Contestants were tasked with making a frost fan out of produce as part of the Hortisports challenge 2 The 2022 awards dinner 3 The Ballance leadership panel 4 Maatu Akonga delivered an impressive speech, earning him the Best Speech award 5 Sarah Dobson showcasing her tractor driving skills 6 Laura Schultz exercising her depth of knowledge on horticulture pests and diseases