On Friday 27 June, students from across the Western Bay of Plenty and as far as Hauraki Plains stepped into the world of horticulture. Cultivate Your Career was more than a day out of school. It was a chance to see where a future in horticulture could lead.

The event offered a mix of hands-on activities, practical demonstrations, and one-on-one conversations with people working in the sector. For students in Years 10 and 11, it was a rare opportunity to ask questions, try things out for themselves, and start to picture what a job in this industry might look like.

Exhibitors came from across the sector, including Fruition Horticulture, Hill Labs, Zespri, EastPack, Pinpoint Hort Lab Services, Landkind, NZ Avocado, Apata, Kiwi Pollen, Farmlands, Radfords, and Southern Cross Horticulture. They were joined by education and training providers like the University of Waikato, Agribusiness in Schools, and Connected MSD, all helping students understand how to take the next step from school into work or study.

Many school staff commented on how surprised they were by the number of roles in science, technology, and engineering that connect back to horticulture. Others noted how engaged their students were, with interactive exhibits helping them better understand the industry and its people.

Running alongside the expo was the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition, which aims to inspire and recognise the talents of young people working in the region’s fruit and vegetable sectors. With some of the best produce in the country grown right here, it’s no surprise that the Bay is also home to some of the most skilled young growers. The competition involved a series of theoretical and practical challenges that tested each contestant’s technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and physical skills. This year, Phoebe Scherer, who has been with Apata for just over a year as the Technical Lab Manager, took out the regional title. She will go on to represent the Bay of Plenty at the national competition later this year.

The day wrapped up with a Gala Dinner, where our Instep Young Leader Bella Ngawhika from Te Puke -Highschool joined guests and contestants to celebrate the achievements of the Young Grower finalists and the future of horticulture in the region.

Cultivate Your Career was created in partnership with NZKGI to help students make clearer, more informed choices about their futures. If you know a Year 10 or 11 student who is interested in being part of next year’s event, get in touch with our Vocational Coordinator Dan Bromley to find out more.