Who will be named Young Horticulturist of the Year 2024?

Five skilled young people will compete in the prestigious competition that showcases the exceptional talent and dedication of our country’s young horticultural professionals.

The five will be put through their paces at the two-day finals, where they will be tested on their horticultural practical skills, leadership ability, speechcraft, business acumen, and industry knowledge.

Members of the public are encouraged to come along to day two of the finals on Thursday October 31, held at Karaka Bloodstock to watch the finalists tackle the practical components of the competition.

The five talented finalists represent the diverse and dynamic world of horticulture, from arboriculture to viticulture.

The competition is managed by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust and Official sponsors are Woolworths, Fruitfed Supplies and T & G Fresh.

Tickets to the Grand Final Dinner & Awards being held at the Karaka Pavilion on Thursday 31 October are on sale until 16 October at www.younghort.co.nz or phone Shona Willis, Event & Sponsorship Manager, 021 630 311.

Anna England

Young Plant Producer

Anna is Sales Co-ordinator at Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery, Amberly, North Canterbury. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Information Systems. An interest in organics and backyard permaculture led her to further study, gaining a Diploma in Horticulture from Lincoln University. Her role is customer service as well as aligning production with sales and keeping track of inventory. Anna uses her commerce qualification in her job too, primarily in the inventory and customer relationship system space as her degree had a strong focus on systems management. Anna enjoys yoga, hiking and gardening.

Craig Scott

New Arborist

Craig become a qualified arborist in August last year, with a Level 3 and 4 Certificate in Arboriculture and plans to work towards the Level 6 Diploma. He works primarily as an arborist but is also a caving guide and soon, canyoning guide. Recently moving from Hamilton to Motueka, his journey to becoming an arborist has taken a few side roads, studying towards a diploma in outdoor education and working as an outdoor instructor and a cave guide (at Waitomo). Becoming an arborist has allowed him to capitalise on his rope and safety skills and he enjoys the activeness and practicality of the job. Craig enjoys running, hiking.

Kyla Mathewson

Young Amenity

Kyla is Curator of the Geographic Collection at Dunedin Botanic Gardens. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and a post graduate diploma in botany from Otago University, followed by a three-year horticultural apprenticeship at Dunedin’s Botanic Gardens. After finishing study, she dedicated a year to conservation work, regenerating native bush in the parks and reserves around Dunedin. Kyla’s curator job involves the maintenance and collection development of the geographic collection section of the gardens (and she trains apprentices too). Kyla enjoys learning Korean and gardening at home.

Tai Nelson

Young Viticulturist

Tai is Vinyard Manager at Soljans Estate Winery, Kumeu. He studied hospitality management at Auckland University of Technology and for 18 months post qualification worked in an Auckland restaurant. He had worked part time work at Soljans dating back to secondary school years, so when an opportunity came up three years ago, he changed to viticulture. He’s responsible for the vineyard’s requirements, from spraying and maintenance to pruning and harvesting.  The vineyard spans just under two hectares so there’s time for Tai to help with production and assisting the winemaker as a cellar hand. Tai enjoys reading, running, and finding new wines.

Taylor Leabourn

Young Grower

Taylor is Produce Lead at SKU Ltd, Wiri, South Auckland. He studied at Massey University and has a First Class Honours degree in Agricultural Science. The main part of SKU’s business is ripening bananas. After about six years out in the field as an agronomist, Taylor’s current job is more distribution and packhouse focused. Having done the growing piece, he wanted to expand his knowledge to take in the next step in the produce journey. Communicating with various buyers, such as Woolworths and Turners & Growers, falls under his mandate. He owns 40 cattle which he enjoys farming on his grandfather’s Pukekohe farm.