April 20, 2020
Growing appeal for Maori careers
The work of young Māori in horticulture is being highlighted in this year’s Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award.
The finalists are 24-year old Brandon Cross, a trainee orchard manager for large kiwifruit company Seeka, Maatutaera Akonga, 26, a senior-leading hand at Hastings-based pip and stone fruit producer Llewellyn Horticulture, and Finnisha Tuhiwai, 25, a packhouse manager for Maungatapere Berries near Whangarei.
Judging panel member Aaron Hunt of Te Tumu Paeroa says final judging has been delayed because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
It’s the first year the competition has focused on horticulture, and he says there was a high standard of entrants reflecting the number of young Māori who are making successful careers in the sector.
He says it has a natural appeal to young Māori because it offers an outdoor lifestyle combined with excellent career prospects leading to management roles.
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