Sarah Dobson wins Pukekohe Young Growers competition
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
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
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It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
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In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
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