Young Horticulturist of the Year 2023

We are excited to congratulate Meryn Whitehead on winning not only the Bayer Best Practice award, but also the coveted New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year award during a two-day final in Karaka earlier this month.

The 29-year-old Nelson orchardist who is a team co-ordinator at Vailima Orchard, faced tough competition with participants from a selection of hort sectors who were tested on their horticultural practical skills, leadership ability, speechcraft, business acumen and industry knowledge.

Growing up in Wales in a hort-focused family, Whitehead knew she wanted to work outdoors, but it took a trip to NZ to decide on orchard work. Now she has caught the bug and she is excited to pass this on to other young people. ‘I know I want to keep encouraging other people to take these chances and opportunities like this competition, as it really pays off. And I want to pass on my passion for an industry I have stumbled into, and want young people to see there are opportunities in this industry for anyone’.

We’re proud to be involved in such an important and inspiring event and wish Meryn luck in her future career.