Second place went to Ralph Bastian (28) from Wai West Horticulture. Rowan Inwood (24) from Hoddys Orchard was awarded third place.

The Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition run by HortNZ to select the finest young fruit or vegetable grower in the country. The winners from five regional events go forward to contest the final in Pukekohe on 20 July. The competition is part of Horticulture New Zealand’s strategy to support the growth and development of the country’s future grower leaders.