Chairman of the Applied Sciences Scholarships Committee, Dr Kerry Harrington, says Archer has helped increase the reputation of Massey University’s horticulture programme and of its students in general. “She has been actively involved with the Massey University Horticulture Society, has been an enthusiastic helper at Massey Open Days, discussing the virtues of the horticultural programme with prospective students, and also a friendly face to welcome students at the start of the year as a Massey Guide.”

She also won second prize for having the best third-year grade point average of all students studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

Archer, who grew up in Tawa, near Wellington, is majoring in horticulture. Her love of plant science and the growing need for more people trained in horticulture in New Zealand saw her move to Palmerston North for her degree. In June this year, she was awarded a $2500 scholarship from the plant and animal science advocacy group, Agcarm.