Five contestants, representing Waitaki Orchards, Parkburn Management, CAJ van der Voort, Willowbrook Orchard and Leaning Rock Cherries, have been confirmed for the event. Contestants will spend the day at the Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago campus testing their pruning, first aid and tractor skills, and their knowledge of pest and diseases, fertilisers and irrigation.

Hort NZ says that there has been fantastic local support for the competition, with 85 people attending the awards dinner to hear the competitors speak on employee engagement and performance. It thanks Gold sponsors Oji, Farmlands, and RD8 for their support of the event.