Maninder Singh of horticulture company, LeaderBrand, has been named Gisborne Young Grower of the Year for 2022 by Horticulture NZ, beating 10 finalists for the top award.
LeaderBrand was established in 1975 by Murray McPhail and remains 100% family owned and operated.
“I entered the competition to increase my self-confidence,” says Mr Maninder.
“It has been great to meet other people in our diverse industry and I feel there’s lots of learning to do. My aim is to help the horticulture industry meet the change challenges that it is facing.”
He will represent the Gisborne commercial fruit and vegetable growing community at the National Young Grower of the Year final in Nelson in September, where six other regional finalists will compete for a share of more than $30,000 worth of prizes.
NZ Apples & Pears Chief Executive, Terry Meikle says he feels the Gisborne horticulture industry is in very capable hands.
“The diversity of thought and talent on display in today’s competition has been amazing. It points to an incredibly positive future for growers in the region,” said Mr Meikle.
HortNZ Chief Executive, Nadine Tunley says the annual, national Young Grower of the Year competition plays a vital role in bringing the nation’s fruit and vegetable growing community together.
“The operating environment continues to be really tough for growers across New Zealand. That is why it is heartening to see Gisborne’s support for the competition and the really high number of entries this year,” says Ms Tunley.
“The event is a great chance for people to come together to support and celebrate our young and talented future leaders.”
The Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition is made possible with sponsorship from the Horticentre Charitable Trust, NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust, ANZ, HortNZ, and the family of supporting sponsors from the Gisborne horticulture community.
