Planting the Future: Supporting the Te Mamaku Native Corridor

Community | Company | In The News

Seventeen-year-old Eli Robertson is no ordinary apple picker. While he’s currently working the autumn harvest at Heywood Orchards, he’s also packing for something much bigger: competing in the 2025 Junior World Cup mountain biking series in Europe.

Eli, a Nelson local and natural on two wheels, has been obsessed with bikes since he was little. “I used to do BMX at the skate park when I was really young, but I got my first proper mountain bike at nine—and that was it.” From there, he saved up for his own gear, worked at a local bike shop, and even became an ambassador for New Zealand bike brand Zerode.

He’s earned a reputation for being both skilled and hardworking—on and off the track. “I used to ask for money instead of presents and sell my old bike to afford the next one,” he explains. Now, he’s sponsored by a handful of supportive brands, including Zerode Bikes, POC helmets, and Berkett Contracting. And this year, Golden Bay Fruit has jumped on board through our Sassy™ apples brand.

Fittingly, Eli’s orchard nickname is “Apple”—a badge he wears with pride. “I’ve always loved apples. I eat up to seven a day,” he laughs. “You get to know the seasons pretty well when you’re eating that many. Pink Lady and Jazz are my summer go-tos, and I can’t wait to try Sassy™.”
GBF’s support helps Eli cover the everyday costs of international travel—bikes, gear, and more bikes. “Racing in Europe has been a long-time goal,” says Eli. “It’s my final year in the under-19 category, and I qualified for the whole series by winning Nationals at Cable Bay.”

He’ll be based in a van with his dad, touring races in Austria and Italy before returning to Nelson to plan the next season. “Eventually, I’d love to race elite. I’m hoping this year’s results get me the points I need to qualify next year.”

As part of our commitment to backing local talent and celebrating real stories from the orchard, GBF is proud to support Eli on his journey. Watch this space—and the Sassy™ Instagram account—for updates from the European race circuit, and keep an eye out for a feature story when he returns.

Go well, Eli. Nelson—and the apple world—is behind you!

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