Fruitgrower shocked at win

Hawke's Bay's Young Fruitgrower of the Year Andrew Kearney during Saturday night's speech and prizegiving ceremony.

First time entrant and T&G senior leading hand Andrew Kearney has been named Hawke's Bay's Young Fruitgrower of the Year.

Following events at the National Horticultural Field Days in Hastings on Friday, the winner was named at a speech competition and industry gala dinner on Saturday night at Mission Estate Winery.

It was the first time the 26-year-old Mr Kearney had entered the competition, and he says he's "already begun" preparing for August's national final.

From there the New Zealand Young Fruitgrower of the Year will represent the sector in the New Zealand Young Horticulturalist of the Year showdown in November.

Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers Association president Lesley Wilson said Mr Kearney "shone" in the practical sections where judges noted his skill. But the winner was "shocked" and "overwhelmed," recalling how he had to be cajoled by workmates before signing an entry form.

T&G general manager Bruce Beaton said his employee's success was partly due to the people who work with him. "Andrew has a lot of talent," Mr Beaton said, "and that is enhanced by those he works with."

Runner-up was Lewis Houkamau, of Freshmax, with third place for Dillon Green, also of T&G. Mr Kearney won the Rockit Quiz prize, and Mr Houkamau and Pauly Douglas, of Orchard Investments, were joint winners of the ANZ Speech Contest.