Dedication reaps rewards for grower

Northland kiwifruit and avocado grower Patrick Malley also won $7500 worth of travel and accommodation. Photo / File

Young Horitculturist of the Year award winner grows kiwifruit and avocado at his family’s orchard in Northland

Northland kiwifruit and avocado grower Patrick Malley is the toast of the country's commercial fruit and vegetable growers after earning the title of Young Horticulturist of the Year.

Malley won the award on Thursday night, after beating off competition from other finalists in Auckland. Representing Horticulture NZ, he competed with five other finalists, all under the age of 30, in the grand final competition.

After the win he said he would continue to work in Northland, and expand the family business -- Onyx Capital orchard at Maungatapere.

Thursday's awards dinner concluded two days of competitions including practical activities, computer management skills, presentation skills and an interview by a panel of judges.

Leading up to the competition, contestants had also completed a written business project in their own time.

Their final challenge was a three-minute speech outlining their vision to attract 15,000 extra people to horticulture to meet the Government's goal of increasing qualified staff in the industry by2025.

Malley took home the Young Horticulturist of the Year prize, including $7500 worth of travel and accommodation.

"I was fully surprised (to win) because there were some great competitors there.

"This is a great bit of shingle for the wall, but there were some really great monetary prizes that I will put to good use to expand my knowledge of the industry and to encourage others to get into horticulture. It's a great career option," he said.

It was the latest win for Malley after he won the Young Grower of the Year title earlier this year.

Horticulture New Zealand president Julian Raine said the organisation joins the 5500 growers it represents to celebrate Malley's win.

"This is a great result for a dedicated and hard-working young man. Horticulture New Zealand works hard to develop and support young growers and this is an excellent win, not just for Patrick but all growers," Raine said.

Commercial fruit and vegetable growing is often not seen as a high-profile career option, he said.

"But the truth is, if you enjoy being your own boss, running your own business and working in one of the country's fastest growing industries, then like Patrick, you should be giving horticulture a go."

Malley received:

• $7500 travel and accommodation package

• $1000 Everris specialty products

• $100 Horticultural magazine subscription for one year.

He also won The Fruitfed Supplies Leadership Award for the finalist who demonstrates outstanding promise and leadership during the competition, earning a $2500 scholarship towards a Leadership or Outward Bound course and the Primary ITO Career Development Award of a $3000 scholarship to be used for further study or attending a conference.