The Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year competition celebrates emerging talent in public and community green spaces. Each year, we recognise future leaders who care deeply about the places where people live, play, and connect.
This competition focuses on practical skills, leadership potential, and a strong appreciation for amenity landscapes. It helps grow confident, capable kaitiaki / guardians who will guide the future of New Zealand’s parks and open spaces.
Finalists take part in a full day of real-world challenges, including:
- public speaking
- business case development and human resource scenarios
- plant, weed, pest, and disease identification
- irrigation systems
- maintenance operations and health and safety.
Finalists also gain valuable professional development through:
- participation in a national competition
- networking with industry leaders and peers
- complementary registration to the Green Pavlova conference
- the chance to represent amenity horticulture at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.
The winner of the Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year will be announced at the awards dinner at the end of the competition. They will then go on to represent the amenity sector at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition later in the year.
Support the next generation of amenity horticulture leaders. Visit the Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year event website for updates and more information.
Nominations open in January
Past Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year winners
- 2025 – River Foster (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2025)
- 2024 – Kyla Mathewson, Dunedin
- 2023 – Renee Johnson, Bark Ltd, Auckland (Second place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2023)
- 2022 – Jodie McDonnell, Auckland
- 2021 – Timmy Cooper, Dunedin (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2021)
- 2020 – COVID-19 interrupted
- 2019 – Anika Jackson, Dunedin
- 2018 – Morgan Hampton, Dunedin
- 2017 – Pippa Lucas, Auckland (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2017)
- 2016 – Jeanette Barker, Auckland (Second place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2016)
- 2015 – Karl Noldan, Wellington (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2015)
- 2014 – Sarah Fenwick, Dunedin
- 2013 – Eliza Whalley, Hutt City (Second place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2013)
- 2012 – Karl Noldan (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2012)
- 2011 – Rangi Green, Auckland (Second place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2011)
- 2010 – Leigh Harrison, Waikato
- 2009 – Sandra How, Hamilton
- 2008 – Jasmine Zimmerman, Wellington
- 2007 – Chris Vork, New Plymouth
- 2006 – Rewi Elliot, Wellington
- 2005 – Nikki Taylor, Auckland (Third place, Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2005)