ANZ Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Taupo this weekend

29 June 2015

The Grand Final of the ANZ Young Farmer of the Year contest gets underway in Taupo on Thursday, and there will be plenty of opportunity to see some live farming action and cheer the finalists on.

The contest has been in the making for several months, with 24 district contests and seven regional finals across New Zealand challenging 276 young farmer entrants aged between 16 and 31.

From Thursday to Saturday this week, the seven finalists will be competing for the top spot in the contest billed as the Ultimate Rural Challenge'.

Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas said he was looking forward to watching all the action and welcomed the participants, their supports and the organisers of the contest to the district.

We are thrilled to be able to hold such a fantastic large-scale event in our backyard and we hope all who come along appreciate our spectacular scenery and vibrant community and enjoy all the district has to offer, he said. This is the last hurdle at the end of a long road for those who have made it this far and I know they will all do themselves proud.

Mr Trewavas said the hosting the grand final was recognition of the development of the district's agricultural sector. We've become quite an agricultural powerhouse here with some of the largest rural properties in New Zealand, he said. Farming is now an integral part of what we do and it's great we can showcase an industry that is a growing and important part of our economy.

Spectators can see the finalists take part in the Agri Sports Challenge, a series of fast-paced agricultural tasks, on Friday, July 3 from 2pm at Tongariro Domain and Taupo amphitheatre. Contestants will be judged on speed, skill and stamina, while competing side by side. It is free for the community to go along and watch.

On Saturday night the contestants will take part in the televised quiz aspect of the contest, hosted by Mark Leishman. This will be followed by a meal and celebratory ball, and attended by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy.

Taupo District Council events manager Steve Giles said the contest would bring plenty of buzz into the district and would be great to check out some of the events. It's the first time we've hosted the national Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final contest here in Taupo after hosting a very successful regional final here last year, he said. There will be plenty to see, even for those who aren't necessarily involved in the industry. This is New Zealand rural competition at its best and we can't wait to watch it all unfold.

The prize package for the winner totals over $76,000 and includes cash, travel vouchers, farm products, scholarships, four-wheel drive and farm equipment and electricity vouchers. Winners of each challenge also win a variety of prizes.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz