A Hastings apple grower has been named as a finalist in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award 2020.
Maatutaera Tipoki Akonga, 26, who is a senior leading hand at Llewellyn Horticulture, Hastings, is one of three finalists.
Akonga is up against 24-year-old Brandon Darny Paora Ngamoki Cross, a trainee orchard manager, and Finnisha Nicola Letitia Tuhiwai, 25, a packhouse manager in Maungatapere.
The award, which formally began in 2012, is designed to recognise and celebrate rising, young, Māori talent within the farming and horticulture sectors.
Akonga, who has previously worked for Turners and Growers prior to joining Llewellyn three years ago, said his current 80ha of land is serviced by himself and two other full-time staff.