Nelson Young Grower of the Year

The 2026 Nelson Young grower of the year competition will be held on Friday 19 June 2026.

The competition is open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers from the Nelson region. Contestants will be tested on a range of theoretical and practical modules designed to test their horticultural skills and knowledge.

The Event will kick off at Thomas Brothers 'Stevens" orchard at 8:30am and will conclude at 3pm. It will be followed by an Awards and Gala dinner that will be held at Rutherford Hotel, Nelson. Mix and mingle welcome drinks and nibbles are available from 6pm onwards followed by seating at 6:45pm. With the night wrapping up around 9:30-10pm.

Tickets have now been finalised for Nelson Young Grower of the Year, get in touch with Young Grower Nelson organiser Aimee Lister below if you have any questions:

 ygoynelson@gmail.com

Nominations Open: Nick Patterson “Services to Horticulture” Award

The Nick Patterson award is a Nelson region award given to someone who is nominated by their peers for an outstanding contribution/ career in the Nelson Horticulture sector. If you have someone in mind to receive the award this year, please submit your nomination for consideration. The recipient will receive a $1,000 travel voucher. Please include a few paragraphs about your nominee, their career, and why you believe they are deserving of the award. You (or someone close to your nominee) may be asked to present the award on the night of the Nelson Young Grower competition. Send nominations to the organiser or directly to James Patterson: james.patterson@wai-west.co.nz.