Sponsored by The Horticentre Group
HortNZ chief executive, Nadine Tunley, and Nelson Young Grower organiser, Richard Clarkson (right), presented Jonathan with his award at the evening awards dinner
2021 Nelson Young Grower Jonathan Bates backs horticulture careers Winner of the 2021 Nelson Young Grower competition, Jonathan Bates, was planting and pruning before he left primary school, encouraged by his grandmother who instilled in him a passion for horticulture. By Anne Hardie Jonathan’s progression up the horticulture career ladder occurred through opportunities that arose along the way rather than following a clear pathway, an area he says industry could work on. “School leavers need a clear career progression pathway, so they know where they are going and the steps they need to take to get there,” Jonathan says. 8
The ORCHARDIST : AUGUST 2021
The 28-year-old grew up in cherry and stonefruit country around Alexandra, where he gained his first insight into orcharding, picking Golden Tatura peaches during one of the school’s annual work days. Jonathan then “fell into a job” after doing summer work on a local orchard. The boss’s father, Stuart McIntosh, tapped him on the shoulder, showing him all he knew about grafting, which led to a longer-term job.
