Mary Arkell

Mary Arkell is a 2IC at Taylor Corp in Hastings, where she has built six years of hands-on experience across all core orchard operations. Her work spans pruning, thinning, harvesting, canopy management, pest and disease control, and safe machinery operation. She brings high attention to detail and a natural ability to build strong, positive team relationships in fast-paced seasonal environments.

A key focus throughout Mary's career has been pursuing formal qualifications alongside her practical work, completing Levels 2 through 4 in Horticulture, along with Growsafe and First Aid. Applying that study directly in the orchard has strengthened her capability across core tasks and supported her growth in responsibility and contribution to team performance.

Looking ahead, Mary is focused on building on her qualifications and continuing to develop into a more advanced, well-rounded grower. She is motivated by an industry where the results of hard work are visible, and by the ongoing opportunities to learn and grow. The Young Fruit Grower competition is something she sees as a genuine investment in her own development and career progression.