YOUR INDUSTRY YOUNG GROWERS
TWICE THE VALUE Words by Glenys Christian
Pukekohe Vegetables Growers’ Association (PVGA) president, Kylie Faulkner, is flanked by its inaugural centennial scholarship winners Keegan Neate and Kirianna Matthews
The Pukekohe Vegetables Growers’ Association’s (PVGA) Centennial Scholarship has got off to a great start with not one but two recipients in its inaugural year. “Both candidates were amazing and we decided to give them both something,” says PVGA president, Kylie Faulkner.
under which a number of pupils spent three days each on work experience at three local businesses, Punchbowl, A S Wilcox and T & G Global then a follow-up day at each. Keegan says he particularly appreciated the way in which kiwifruit and blueberry grower, Punchbowl, showed the breadth of careers that horticulture could offer. And he made such an impression he was offered work over the summer then returned to do afternoon shifts through the packing season.
“It wasn’t the best timing with a global pandemic, however we had a very high calibre of applicants and we were pleased to be able to split the scholarship.”
This Christmas break he’s been working at a number of Punchbowl properties all within 30 minutes drive of Pukekohe and is based at Port Waikato at present.
So Keegan Neate and Kirianna Matthews will both receive $2,500 towards their horticulture studies at Massey University this year.
“It’s cool to see the different set-ups,” he says.
I’ve enjoyed everything. I haven’t had a dull day Keegan, 18, took part in a Pukekohe High School Horticulture Pathways programme last year organised by its head of agriculture and horticulture, Dave Matthews, 36
NZGROWER : FEBRUARY 2021
“I’ve enjoyed everything. I haven’t had a dull day.” He’s now looking forward to heading to Massey to start on the three-year Bachelor of Horticulture Science with help from a Punchbowl scholarship. The PVGA scholarship will make a big difference as well, as he’ll be able to concentrate on his studies rather than needing to look for a part-time job in Palmerston North. Kirianna Matthews,19, the second PVGA scholarship recipient, has already completed her first year of the degree and has been back working on the planting
