Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year applications open in March

Young people working in the Bay of Plenty's fruit and vegetable sector are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year competition, with applications opening on 6 March. The competition will be held on Friday 19 June at Mercury Bay Park's concert grounds from 9am, followed by a gala dinner open to the local horticulture industry at 5.30pm at the Lion Foundation Arena.

The winner will take home $1,500 and go on to represent the Bay of Plenty at the National Young Grower of the Year competition later in the year. Second place receives $1,000 and third place $750. All competitors receive a prize box and the chance to compete for a $2,500 (+ GST) Upskilling Scholarship and a $750 speech competition prize.

Applications close at midday on 24 April. Interested entrants can apply at www.bopyounggrower.co.nz/apply-to-be-a-contestant.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).