A Hawke's Bay viticulturist is this year's Young Horticulturist of the Year.
Caine Thompson, 27, of Taradale, represented New Zealand Winegrowers at the finals.
He competed against seven other finalists from around the country representing various parts of the horticulture industry.
They reached the finals by winning their respective sector competitions.
The competition, in its fifth year, is based on the Young Farmer of the Year contest, and tests the participants on their practical skills as well as industry knowledge.
