August Von Reiche

“As a cannabis cultivation technician with a background in both traditional Māori and modern horticultural practices, I bring a unique perspective to the plant production industry. I currently oversee cultivation and administrative tasks to assist in the upkeep and growth of medicinal cannabis for GMP pharmaceutical products.

I am entering the young plant producer of the year competition to showcase my commitment to sustainable and equitable cannabis cultivation, and to learn from and connect with others in the industry. I hope to gain new perspectives on the industry, explore new pathways of inquiry and to continue to develop my skills as a plant production professional. Outside of work I enjoy time spent outdoors with friends and family. I enjoy surfing, fishing, camping and hiking.”

Cameron Hay

“I grew up on a dairy farm, working as a builder in the holidays. I studied a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Management whilst running my own magazine and working as a photographer for my own business. I am now working as a 2IC-Plant Care and Maintenance worker.

I am entering this competition to help grow my career, educate others about the horticultural industry and inspire people from different backgrounds to become a part of this industry, proving that there is something for everyone here. In turn, I hope to make some great industry connections and learn about the people around me that are the future of the industry. Some of my proudest achievements have been completing a masters degree, running my own business and winning a Top 10 Photographer award. Photography and film cameras are a big passion, and gardening and growing plants is something that I have been doing from a young age and is something I always make time for.

My parents have their own dairy farm in Ashburton, one of my brothers has his own window cleaning business in Mount Maunganui, another brother is training to be an electrician, and my sister has her own health coaching business. So we're a family of go-getters!”

Lydia O’Dowd

“Hi! I'm Lydia. I'm the Head Propagator at Southern Woods Nursery. I've completed my Certificates in NZ Horticulture in Nursery Production Level 3 & 4 and plan to complete a Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management in the future.

Nature and the outdoors are my jam - I love hiking, skiing and getting stuck into my garden. The thought of entering the young Plant Producer competition has been simmering away in the back of my mind for a couple of years now. What attracts me is the growth this competition has to offer, both personally and professionally. I look forward to gaining more knowledge and meeting others who are driven and passionate about hort!”

Ellen Ballantine

“I'm Ellen, a 24 year old lass from rural South Auckland.

I've worked in Horticulture since 2014, starting with seasonal roles at a forestry nursery before working full time in a local vegetable seedling nursery and one of NZ's biggest ornamental nurseries. I'm now working as Team Lead for a company which runs both an indoor nursery and outdoor field grown crops for R&D seed production as a nursery support business.

I am entering Young Plant Producer for the second year running as it is an amazing opportunity to challenge myself professionally and network with both budding and established plant producers.

Outside of work I enjoy all things camping, diving, hunting, fishing and hiking related.

Fun Fact: I represented NZ at the Clay Target Shooting World Champs.”

Jake Linklater

“After working in arboriculture, and 3 years with a small residential landscaping company, I gained a new interest in plants and trees. Working at a plant nursery seemed like the perfect industry to take that interest further, and I have not looked back. My journey started at Southern Woods Nursery, where I gained myriad skills and a wealth of knowledge from my mentors and co-workers. I also completed Level 3 and 4 NZ Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production), during my time there.

I then got the opportunity to work as Production Co-Ordinator for a new native nursery at Nova Trust under the name Nova Natives. I run the supply, production, and propagation of native plants for contracts and GOLs. I am now doing a BSc (plant science and ecology) at Lincoln University, part time, to take my knowledge further. I entered this competition to test my skills against the industries best and learn off some of the best leaders in the industry.

I think we have a great future in front of us as we help grow the future gardens, landscapes, wetlands and forests of the country and I’m looking forward to see how we change as new challenges arise. I have a 3 year old daughter that keeps me busy in my off time but also like a good tramp and some social sport.”

You in 2024?

Applications open in April 2024!

Get ready to enter the competition. Entries for next year will open in autumn 2024 so watch this space. If you have any queries please email Young Plant Producer Event Organiser at alice@nzppi.co.nz.