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
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
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