Sarah Dobson wins Pukekohe Young Growers competition

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Sarah Dobson, 25-year-old environment and sustainability technician at A.S. Wilcox, has won the Pukekohe Young Growers competition for 2022.

Up against three others from the region, Dobson beat out the rest across the day long competition at the Pukekohe Indian Association centre on Saturday May 21.

“I was so rapt when they called my name to say that I had won, I couldn’t believe it,” Dobson said.

“I’ve learnt so much through the competition. I even learnt how to back a tractor-trailer last week which came in handy today!”

The national Young Grower of the Year competition is in Nelson on September 21 and 22. There will be six other regional finalists competing for their share of $30,000 worth of prizes.

HortNZ President, Barry O'Neil said the competition was a bright spot amid hard times the region.

“The various lockdowns and weather events have been unprecedented. Many growers’ businesses are under pressure, so it has been fantastic to be able to get a record turnout at the awards dinner this year and bring everyone together,” he said.

“Our industry is looking to the future in these very challenging times. Young people will play a key role in our future with our industry’s development and sustainability.”

Photo by HortNZ