The pick of the crop

2006 saw the second year of competition for the Young Horticulturist of the year.

Competition was held at the Auckland Botanic Gardens on the 17th November. During the day the finalists completed a number of practical and computer-based activities. These included a hortisport event, where all finalists raced against each other, as well as the clock, tackling assorted horticultural-based contests. The final challenge was held at a dinner event at the Ellerslie Convention Centre, where each of the finalists made a short speech and answered a series of quick-fire questions.

Our congratulations are extend to Viticulturist Marcus Wickham of Blenheim, as the winner ofthe HortFertplus Young Horticulturist of the Year competition 2006.

Well done to Marcus’ fellow finalists: florist Renee Amodeo, of Auckland; public garden manager Rewi Elliot, of Wellington; landscaper Erin Farrow, of Auckland; cropping field manager Gareth Holder of Napier (placed second); nursery manager Paul Jameson of Nelson; orchid grower Carl Jaunay, of Hikurangi (placed third); arborist James King of Wellington and orchard manager Shaun Vickers of Hamilton.

The event was judged by Jo Harrison, who specialises in providing executive search solutions; Jack Hobbs, curator manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens and emeritus professor of horticultural science Errol Hewett.

The competition, which is supported by the NZ Horticulture Industry Training Organisation, has been created to inspire and acknowledge horticulturists aged under 30 years and prizes include overseas travel, an educational management course, clothing and tools.

For further information about the 2006 competition contact:

Elenka Nikoloff, Co-ordinator for the HortFertplus Young Horticulturist of the Year, Ph 09 636 5922, 0276 332 858, elenka.nikoloff@xtra.co.nz
David Puflett Ph 09 236 3043, 021 745 210, rnzih@ps.gen.nz

Marcus with his trophy

Update:

Marcus Wickham, the 2006 winner, and family are set to head overseas in June 2007 to enjoy some well earned travel which was part of his winning prize package. Marcus and his family will be visiting Spain, Portugal and the surrounding areas looking at grape production and the European supply chain for fruit imports in general.

Dean Astill, the 2005 winner, graduated from his Leadership NZ course in November 2006, married recently and is currently applying to enter the FAME course for exporters and further his chosen career in the export fruit market.