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
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.