Record turnout for 2012 Grand Final expected

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15/05/12

Record turnout for 2012 Grand Final expected

The countdown is on to the TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ Grand Finals for 2012 and this year’s event in Dunedin is shaping up to be the biggest yet.

In a first all qualifying teams for AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg are making the journey south for their respective Grand Final on May 25th in Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competitors from the seven New Zealand Young Farmers Regions are now in preparation mode ahead of competing on the national stage alongside The National Bank Young Farmer Contest Grand Final. Over 100 of these future farmers will have their eyes on the 2012 titles along with a generous prize pack.

The TeenAg Competition has grown vastly on the back of a successful inaugural event in 2011. This year over 300 teenagers competed at the Regional Finals.

NZYF Youth Development Coordinator Rosie Todhunter is excited that all 22 qualifying teams are heading to Dunedin for the event.

“It’s great to see the commitment from these teams – they have to fundraise and make their own way to Grand Final so we’re really looking forward to lifting the bar with more of the same great action and a few new twists too.”

These twists include several new elements that Miss Todhunter says will reflect the skill level of the Competitors.

“We’re making things tougher this year because the competitors have proven they can handle it – some of them have even tried out for The National Bank Young Farmer Contest at District Final level. It’s also great to see some of the strong contenders from 2011 returning for the 2012 Grand Final.”

The AgriKidsNZ competition attracted over 400 children this year and will also see all 21 qualifying teams attend the Grand Final.

“For our AgriKids there will be more of the same excitement at the Grand Final this year: fun, farming and great prizes too. It’s the perfect environment for our younger competitors to learn more about agriculture while meeting new friends from around the country.” says Miss Todhunter.

Miss Todhunter noted that TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ have a combined prize pool of over $5,000 in 2012.

The fun doesn’t stop at the competition however. TeenAg competitors will attend a quiz night on Friday night while the AgriKids enjoy a fun night of Ten Pin Bowling.

A bus tour sponsored by Telford – a division of Lincoln University will keep the AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg participants busy on Saturday 26th May. The trip includes a farm tour of Telford’s facilities and visiting a couple of Dunedin’s well known tourist attractions.

The TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ competitions commence at 8am at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on May 25th and the public is encouraged to attend. Entry is by gold coin donation.

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