The future of New Zealand’s horticulture industry could easily be in the hands of the finalists in the 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year. Professor Jacqueline Rowarth says that the life skills that the contestants learn through the competition sets them on the path to future leadership. 

This statement launches the search for the 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year, and for up to 7 finalists to line up in the grand final in November.

Finalists (30 years and under) compete for a prize pool of over $40,000 that includes a $7,500 travel and accommodation package, and a $5,500 Massey University study scholarship and travel.  While the prizes are tempting, it is the development opportunities that are the real reward for finalists in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.

 “As far as entering, it was worth it just for the experience alone, the prize package allows for plenty of personal and professional development, plus a whole lot more” says 2012 winner, wine-maker Braden Crosby who represented NZ Winegrowers. The competition gave him the chance to meet people from other horticultural industries, and the opportunity to network with industry leaders such as representatives from Bayer, Fruitfed Supplies, Turners & Growers, and Agmardt. 

 As part of his prize package, Braden is preparing for a 3 month trip to study the vineyards of France, Germany and Italy.  Finalists from previous years have travelled to America, Europe and the UK to broaden their industry experience.

The pick of the industry sectors.

To qualify for the 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year, contestants need to have already won their sector competition.  Entrants will come from their success this year in their horticultural sectors; Floristry NZ Inc, Horticulture NZ’s Fruit and Vegetable sectors,  NZ Recreation Association- Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping New Zealand, Nursery and Garden Industry of New Zealand, and NZ Winegrowers.

The role of Young Horticulturist of the Year is recognised and supported by the Minister for Primary Industries, the Honourable Nathan Guy; “This competition is a great showcase of emerging leaders and talent from across the horticulture industry.”

 In its ninth year, the competition, managed by the RNZIH Education Trust is designed to develop the finalists’ skills and knowledge and enhance their career opportunities in the horticulture industry.  “The industry needs, wants and indeed, deserves great people, and they can be seen at this competition,” explains Professor Rowarth.

 “These are the innovators of the future, and their ideas, knowledge and skills deserve to be nurtured and developed. This is the place where it happens,” says Chair of the organising committee Nicola Rochester.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year competition is made possible through the generous support of:  Agmardt, Fruitfed Supplies, Turners and Growers.

Bayer, Massey University, NZ Horticulture  ITO, NZ Gardener, On Gas, NZ Winegrowers

For more information please contact Elenka Nikoloff, RNZIH Trust: [email protected]. Mobile  0276 332858.

Visit www.younghort.co.nz