Young grower branding
Young Grower of the Year national final
The Young Grower of the Year competition is an annual event, run by Horticulture New Zealand, designed to recognise and celebrate our most talented young growers. The competition highlights the skills, knowledge, and leadership potential of our next generation, ensuring the industry remains strong and sustainable. The winners of each of the regional Young Grower of the Year competitions will contest a range of modules and challenges hoping to be crowned the New Zealand Young Grower of the Year.
This year the Young Grower of the Year national final will be held at the new Te Puna Mahara Cromwell Memorial Events Centre on 27–28 August, bringing together finalists from across the regions competing for the national title.
We’re currently looking for sponsors to support this event, please email events@hortnz.co.nz for a copy of our sponsorship prospectus and to discuss opportunities.
Dinner tickets are also now available. If you’d like to recognise the finalists and celebrate the sector, please click here to purchase your tickets.
Meet the 2026 National Young Grower of the Year Finalists!
James Blair
Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year 2026
Luke St John
Central Otago Young Grower of the Year 2026
James Torrie
Gisborne Young Grower of The Year 2026
Maddi Sheridann
Hawkes Bay Young Grower of the Year 2026
Amelia Marsden
Nelson Young Grower of the Year 2026
William Kenna
Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year 2026
Amber Davy
Canterbury Young Grower of the Year 2026
2026 prize package
