Central Otago Young Grower of the Year

The 2026 Central Otago Young Grower of the Year competition was held on Friday, 22 May 2026.

The competition was open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers from the Central Otago region. The Contestants completed a range of practical and theoretical challenges that tested their horticultural knowledge, technical skills, and decision-making abilities. The competition showcased the talent amongst the Young Growers and the bright future they have ahead of them. The day concluded with a Gala Dinner, where contestants each delivered a speech before the Luke St John took home the regional title for the second time. The event celebrated the future of the region's horticulture industry.


Young Grower Central Otago organiser:

Mariette Morkel
mariette.morkel@horticentre.co.nz

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Central Otago Young Grower of the Year 2025 Highlights

All2 251605 Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 135 (1)

All Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 73

Places Young Growers Dinner.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central. 28

Sponsors Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 14

MMT  Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 58

HJ oung Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 44

MM Pruning Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.

JK Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 38

MM  Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 28

JLT Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 48

MM  Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 46

HJPYoung Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 55

JKP Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central.Group 66

JL  Young Growers.Credit Clare Toia Bailey.image central