Industry’s vision for future appealing

Kiwifruit is an exciting industry to work in and has a clear vision for the future, says Craig Ward, the 2015 New Zealand Young Fruit Grower of the Year.

“The industry has a plan to grow and is constantly innovating. It’s never dull and there are always new challenges,” says Craig, who is Apata Grow technical manager.


Craig Ward of Katikati is the 2015 New Zealand Young Fruit Grower of the Year.

Worrying times
The outbreak of the vine disease Psa-V didn’t deter him from choosing to join the industry. “It was pretty worrying times working with growers who were facing losing their livelihood, but looking back, it is gratifying to have played some small part in the industry’s recovery.”

Craig, who grew up on a farm and avocado orchard near Katikati, has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture from Massey University and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Agri-Science in Horticulture.

He’s keen to encourage other young people to consider horticulture as a career and is a member of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc future leaders’ programme. Through it and a Massey University initiative, he has spoken to students at schools and career expos about the opportunities the industry offers.

Many students don’t realise the wide breadth of career possibilities. In addition to hands-on practical careers, there are those in business management, marketing, research and development, technology transfer and more, he says.

General Manager Apata GROW Sonya Whiteman ‎says the company is proud of Craig’s achievements.

“For me, Craig is the epitome of what the kiwifruit industry needs to have for its future. He is a humble young man, who has grown in confidence through this competition,” says Sonia.


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