Representing Horticulture NZ, Malley competed with five other finalists, all under the age of 30, in the grand final competition. The winners were announced in Auckland on the evening of Thursday, 13 November.

The evening awards dinner concluded two days of competitions including practical activities, computer management skills, presentation skills and an interview by a panel of judges.  Leading up to the competition, contestants had also completed a written business project in their own time.

Their final challenge was a three-minute speech outlining their vision to attract 15,000 extra people to horticulture to meet the government’s goal of increasing qualified staff in the industry by 2025.

Malley took home the ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ prize including $7,500 of travel and accommodation.

T&G Executive General Manager NZ, Andrew Keaney, said competitions like this are a great way to nurture the interest and passion of the younger generations as well as showcase the industry. “We want to encourage that passion from primary school all the way through to university and beyond, as it’s an incredibly rewarding industry to be part of.”

Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture Education Trust Chairperson, Nicola Rochester, said the past decade of ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ competitions has positively influenced horticulture at all levels. “It supports young people, promotes careers in horticulture and grows the capability of young people across all industry sectors. More than 60 talented young people have been identified and supported, all with a high probability of going on to leadership roles in the industry. This coincides with the government’s objective of increasing skilled and qualified workers in the horticulture industry,” she explained.

Winner steps up again. And again. 

This is the first time most finalists have had to manage a project from beginning to end, requiring motivation and discipline along the way.  Presenting their AGMARDT Market Innovation Project to a panel of judges was also new for them.

Patrick Malley also won the Primary ITO Career Development Award, as well as the Fruitfed Supplies  Leadership Award. His traceability technology for kiwifruit won the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project. Through his project a consumer anywhere in the world will be able to scan kiwifruit packing cases to identify the orchard where the fruit grew.  

Second prize in the AGMARDT Market Innovation went to Southland’s (Amenity Horticulture) Sarah Fenwick’s lightweight glove design. The durable, cost effective glove inner is made of titanium lined limestone neoprene to keep gardeners’ fingers warm and nimble.

Paul Robinson’s ‘Nip it in the Bud’ Leafroller Virus took third place in the AGMARDT Market Innovation project.

Judges looked for individuals who could make a difference in their sectors and the industry, going beyond great skills to include leadership, attitude and personality.  

Full Results for 2014 ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ competition

‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ winner Patrick Malley received:

• $7,500 travel and accommodation package
• $1,000 Everris specialty products
• $100 Horticultural magazine subscription for one year

Second place was awarded to Viticulturist Paul Robinson of Hawkes Bay who received:

• $5,500 Massey University study scholarship
• $750 Everris specialty products
• $100 NZ Horticultural magazine subscription for one year

Third place was awarded to Landscaping NZ’s Nic Muir from Christchurch who received:

• $1000 cash
• $500 Everris specialty products

• $100 NZ Horticultural magazine subscription for one year

The AGMARDT Market Innovation Project was won by Patrick Malley who received $5000 .

• 2nd Prize: $2,500  Sarah Fenwick
• 3rd Prize: $1,500  Paul Robinson

Consolation prizes of $500 for each completed project went to Caitlin Thorburn, Jacqui Jones and Nicolas Muir.

The T&G (Turners & Growers) Best Practical Activities Award:  Nic Muir won a $3500 travel scholarship for best overall score for practical activities .

The Fruitfed Supplies Leadership Award for the finalist who demonstrates outstanding promise and leadership during the competition:  Patrick Malley, who won a $2,500 scholarship towards a Leadership or Outward Bound course.

The Primary ITO Career Development Award of a $3,000 scholarship for further study or attending a conference:  Patrick Malley

The Bayer Best Practice Award for the highest score in a range of activities with a focus on crop management practices and sustainability receives a $2,500 scholarship:  Sarah Fenwick

The Best Speech Award: $500 cash: Florist, Caitlin Thorburn.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year competition is generously partnered by AGMARDT, Fruitfed Supplies, and T&G (Turners & Growers), and is supported by Bayer Crop Science, Countdown, Massey University, NZ Gardener magazine, NZ Winegrowers, and Primary ITO.

The Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture Education Trust is a not for profit, charitable trust which oversees the organisation of the Young Horticulturist of the Year awards.