The 2026 competition aims to inspire and acknowledge talented young people working in the fruit and vegetable sectors across the Bay of Plenty. The region produces some of the best horticultural products in the country, and the event showcases the skill and dedication of our up‑and‑coming growers.

Competitors arrive early in the morning and work through a range of practical and theory‑based modules until early afternoon. After the daytime competition, contestants have time to prepare for the evening Gala Dinner, where they will present a 3-minute speech in front of approximately 500 guests.

• 1st place: $3,000 + represents the Bay of Plenty at the National Young Grower of the Year competition

• 2nd place: $2,000

• 3rd place: $1,000

• All contestants receive:

  • A prize box

  • Free public speaking training

  • Branded uniform from the Horticentre Charitable Trust

  • The opportunity to compete for:

    • $2,500 + GST Upskilling Scholarship

    • $750 Speech Competition prize

Applications open: Friday, 6 March 2025

Applications close: Friday, 24 April 2026 at 12:00pm

Throughout the competition day, contestants rotate through a series of hands‑on and knowledge‑based modules that reflect real-world horticultural skills. These modules challenge entrants to demonstrate their understanding of orchard management, crop protection, innovation, safety, and business decision‑making. Each activity is designed in partnership with industry experts who support contestants, provide guidance, and help create an environment focused on learning and practical skill development. While the modules change each year, they consistently test a broad range of technical competencies and reward accuracy, efficiency, communication, and industry knowledge.

Yes. Contestants attend a full induction and training day in mid‑May, which includes:

• Module preparation

• Practical skill development

• A free public speaking course

Attendance for the entire induction day is compulsory.

Contestants must:

• Study and prepare for each of the competition modules

• Prepare a 3-minute speech for the Gala Dinner

• Attend the full induction day

• Wear the provided branded uniform on competition day and at the Gala Dinner

Yes. All contestants receive a full branded uniform provided by the Horticentre Charitable Trust, which must be worn for the entire competition.

The winning contestant must:

• Represent the Bay of Plenty at the National Young Grower of the Year competition

• Be available for media interviews and promotional opportunities in the weeks following the event

Please email sam.moa@nzkgi.org.nz for support with your application or questions about the competition.

The regional competitions are open to all eligible commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

• Contestants must be currently working full-time in the fruit and vegetable industry

• Contestants must be 30 years of age or under as at 31 December of the year that they compete

• Contestants must show evidence of completing a minimum of three years practical work experience in the industry with the regional coordinators ensuring the three years practical experience is met. E.g. letter from employer

• Contestants must be available, if selected, to compete in the Young Grower of the Year National Competition (All travel costs will be met by Horticulture New Zealand)

• Contestants agree to abide by the competition rules

• All entrants must be familiar with health and safety issues associated with competition activities and follow the procedures set in place on the day

• Contestants must be New Zealand citizens or hold a current New Zealand residency permit, or be in the process of obtaining either their residency or citizenship

• A letter of support maybe be required Contestants may reapply to regional competitions even if they have won one of these competitions in the past. However, the winner of the Young Grower of the Year National Final cannot reapply at a regional or national level.