A Tauranga man has been named as a finalist in this year's Young Horticulturist of the Year 2016 grand final.
Andrew Hutchinson, originally from Tauranga but now living in Pukekohe, has been crowned winner of the Young Grower of the Year and will represent Horticulture New Zealand in the national competition.
He joins four other finalists in the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture Education Trust's competition, to be contested next week.
All finalists are winners of their respective horticulture sectors and will compete in the grand final on November 9 and 10 at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa.
The finalists are Jeanette Barker (25), Auckland (originally from Christchurch), Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year winner, representing Amenity Horticulture supported by the New Zealand Recreation Association; Daniel Howard (21), Levin, HortFert Young Achiever of the Year winner, representing the Nursery and Garden Industry of New Zealand; Paul Southan (29), Auckland, winner of Young Landscaper of the Year, representing Landscaping New Zealand and Cameron Price (26), Hastings, Young Viticulturist of the Year winner, representing New Zealand Winegrowers.
While the grand final is a contest for the standout young horticulturist in New Zealand, contestants share a passion for helping people through horticulture; in continuing to build New Zealand as a horticultural nation and in helping other young people find a future in the sector.
Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year Jeanette Barker said she felt proud to create spaces where people could gain the same sense of tranquillity and connection she felt when working with plants.
"I also have a great sense of pride when people walk past and thank me for my work, or say they wish they had my job.
"Everything we use is plant material or derived from plants. They are the basis for society as we know it. Plants and horticulture will always be an important part of our lives so you will always be able to find a job and develop a career.
"The industry continues to expand with developing technologies and innovations to cope with increased demand from an ever-growing population. This is particularly pertinent in New Zealand's current markets where our reliance on dairy is beginning to wane, and we are looking into more sustainable methods of supporting our economy. There are ever-growing opportunities for anyone in or entering the industry," she said.
The finalists will compete for a prize pool of more than $40,000 that includes a $7500 travel and accommodation package and a $5500 Massey University study scholarship and travel.
To check out the full list of supporters or for more information about how to enter for 2017, visit www.younghort.co.nz.