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EIT horticulture graduates dominate Young Fruitgrower competition

June 25, 2019

Deanna Muir is participating in the Young Fruitgrower competition.

At this year’s “Hawke’s Bay Young Fruitgrower of the Year” competition, seven out of eight competitors are EIT graduates or students. The event is part of the Horticulture Field Days and takes place on June 27 at the HB Showgrounds.

The contestants have to demonstrate their practical and theoretical skills through different activities assessed by industry representatives.

This year there is one woman competing against seven men, Deanna Muir. Deanna is currently studying a NZ Diploma in Horticulture (Level 5, Fruit Production) and is thrilled to participate. “It’s a great opportunity to test my knowledge against others in the industry. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and hopefully learning a thing or two along the way.” EIT’s School of Primary Industries is optimistic that in the future more women will follow Deanna’s lead.

The competitors come from different experiences and backgrounds. Jake Vesty, for instance, completed a Bachelor of Science (Geology) before he decided to work on the family orchard and gain a related qualification. Jake and the other six entrants studied the Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) at EIT and completed the trainee programme.

The winner of the competition will represent Hawke’s Bay in the sector finals for the “New Zealand Young Grower of the Year” in Napier on August 21-22.

Taking part in the event helps young fruit-growers get noticed and gives them the opportunity to help progress in the industry. Previous winners of the award have been scouted for leadership roles such as technical and orchard managers.