Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025
Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells has been recognised as a rising star in New Zealand’s potato industry, taking home the Shining Star Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025.
The 30-year-old agronomist at Balle Bros was honoured for his exceptional leadership potential and commitment to advancing potato farming, marking another milestone in an already impressive career that has seen him champion youth representation within the sector.
Jamie serves as a member of Potatoes New Zealand’s inaugural Youth Council and was the council’s first chair, demonstrating his dedication to ensuring young voices are heard in industry decision-making.
He won the 2024 Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year competition before claiming the National Young Vegetable Grower of the Year 2024 title and finishing as runner-up in the overall Young Grower of the Year 2024 competition.
Jamie’s passion for innovation shines through his focus on new technology, research, and methods that enhance growing capabilities.
Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt praised Jamie’s outstanding contribution to the sector, saying: “Jamie is a natural leader who doesn’t just step up himself – he lifts others up too. His enthusiasm for new approaches and solutions is infectious and he genuinely cares about supporting other young growers. This Shining Star Award recognises how important young leaders like Jamie are for building a sustainable industry where the next generation has a real voice.”
The Shining Star Award recognises rising stars in the industry under 35 years of age who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to advancing potato farming. Jamie’s recognition comes as the industry places increasing emphasis on nurturing young talent.
Kate continues: “Jamie is also proof that you don’t need to come from a farming family or growing background to succeed in our industry. He discovered vegetable growing at school and since then he’s shown that passion and hard work can take you far. Together with Jamie, we aim to bring that message to more young people – you are welcome in our thriving and exciting industry.”
Jamie’s journey in horticulture began after graduating from Pukekohe High School in 2012, when he started working with Balle Bros whilst studying by correspondence. His dedication to learning saw him complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in horticulture in 2021, alongside Intermediate and Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management courses.
In his role as agronomist at Balle Bros, Jamie oversees potatoes, carrots, onions, brassicas, spring onions, and cereal crops production across the Franklin region. His responsibilities extend to procurement of materials including seeds, fertilisers, and agrichemicals, conducting on-site trials, and auditing materials for Global/NZGAP and Leaf benchmarks.
The Shining Star Award forms part of the broader Potato Industry Awards programme, which aims to promote excellence within New Zealand’s potato industry whilst raising public awareness of the value, versatility, and benefits of potatoes.