This years representative for the Arboriculture sector was selected by the New Zealand Arboriculture Association.

Going through to compete in this years competition is:

•  Elena O’Neill

The New Zealand Arboriculture Association is pleased to announce its contestant for the NZ Horticulture ITO Young Horticulturist of the Year - 2007 Competition.

Our Contestant Elena O’Neill (30 years) contested the right to represent her industry from five other male finalists. Elena is an excellent Arborist and fierce competitor Association president David Glenn said.

Elena holds certificates in both horticulture and arboriculture and has been working as an Arborist since 1997. During her years as an Arborist she has worked the length and breadth of New Zealand for companies Asplundh in Auckland, Excel in Tauranga, Hamilton City council and as a lecturer in arboriculture for the Otago polytechnic in Dunedin. Currently she is employed with the Dunedin City Council as the tree officer.

Elena is also the current Women’s World tree-climbing champion and is due to defend her world title in Hawaii in early August.

Entries for the 2007 Arboriculture Sector Competition are now closed