Seven to battle it out in Young Grower national final

Seven young horticultural workers are finalists in the 2025 national Young Grower of the Year competition.

They will pitch their skills against one another over two days of challenging modules at the final in Christchurch on 10-11 September. `

 “Our finalists, along with the many young growers who competed in the regional competitions, epitomise the skill, passion and commitment of talented people across the sector,” says Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Kate Scott.

Bay of Plenty finalist Phoebe Scherer, aged 29, is a Technical Lab Manager for Apata, a post-harvest service provider for kiwifruit and avocado growers.

“I really enjoy being able to collect data about what is going on in orchards and give growers information,” she says. “I particularly like that you can make improvements in an orchard in such a short time period, just in a season, that helps growers to grow even better fruit.

Canterbury contestant Steven Rink, aged 30, is a production manager for Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables.

“It’s just great,” he says. “There is no better feeling than harvest day when there are bins full of produce ready to be sent to the packhouse and then all over New Zealand, to feed people.

Lydia Goodman, aged 26, representing Central Otago, is the Assistant Orchard Manager at Central Orchard Management and Packing Manager at CentralPac.

“One of the best things is teaching the team how to do their job, and seeing the passion develop as they learn and understand things like the physiology of a tree,” she says.

Gisborne finalist Rhiannon Morrell, aged 25, is a member of the technical team for apples with Craigmore Sustainables.

“My job involves a lot of data collection and metrics to help make informed decisions about the trees,” she says. “

Sam Carter, aged 29, representing Hawke’s Bay, is assistant manager for T&G’s Pakowhai Sector.

“Young Grower is an important competition,” he says. “Because it really tests and stretches you, promotes the industry to others and also promotes leadership and growth within the industry.”

Nelson finalist Amelia Marsden, aged 29, switched from a career in dairy and is a Kiwifruit Manager at Willisbrook Orchards in Brightwater.

“Agriculture has come a long way in terms of accessibility for females” she says. “But I went from being the only female in my dairy job to working with a lot more. There is less brute strength required which makes horticulture very accessible for everyone.”

Jack Haddon, aged 22, who will be representing Pukekohe, is a crop manager for Balle Bros, overseeing the cauliflower and cabbage operation.

“There is a lot of on-the-job and external training available,” he says. “I have had so much input offered to get me to where I am.”