Grow your career today
The Young Plant Producer competition offers a unique opportunity for our industry’s rising stars to grow their careers and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Young Plant Producer is an annual competition organised by NZ Plant Producers Inc with IPPS and sponsored by Horticentre Charitable Trust.
2026 winner announced!
Congratulations to Clayton Hart from Rainbow Park Nurseries, Auckland, the NZ Young Plant Producer of the Year 2026.
Clayton took home the trophy on 21 May during a special milestone celebration of 30 years of the Young Plant Producer competition.
Along with the winner’s trophy, Clayton was awarded a $3000 professional development fund on behalf of NZ Plant Producers (NZPPI) and IPPS (International Plant Propagators’ Society) to advance his career in plant production.
He will also take part in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award in November where he will compete against finalists from the entire horticulture industry.
Pictured from left, the Young Plant Producer 2026 finalists were:
Bianca Kitchin, Plant Hawke’s Bay
Matt Loan, Southern Woods Nursery, Christchurch (runner-up)
Clayton Hart, Rainbow Park Nurseries, Auckland (winner)
Michael Blair, Tharfield Nursery, Bay of Plenty
Photo by Rico Mannall. Learn more about the finalists.
Finalists receive an invaluable boost of experience, industry insight, and mentorship, plus the chance to win a fund to advance their career through further training and/or travel. As part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference 2026, this year’s two-day event challenged competitors on their skills in:
plant science and propagation
biosecurity and irrigation
technology and business acumen
public speaking.
Celebrating 30 years of
Young Plant Producer
The 30-year milestone of the Young Plant Producer competition (formerly Young Achiever) highlights the significant contribution the event has made as an incubator of talent in the plant production industry.
During the NZ Plant Producers Conference 2026, a panel of past contestants discussed how the competition shaped their early careers. Moderated by Nicola Rochester, the panel of Steve Burton, Michael Scott, Jacqui Jones and Jake Linklater discussed the opportunities for young people in the plant production and greenlife sector.
Special thanks to Horticentre Charitable Trust for their ongoing commitment in sponsoring NZ Young Plant Producer of the Year. Their support plays a significant role in making the competition possible.
Competition venue
In 2026 the Young Plant Producer of the Year competition is included in the NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner 2026 on 20-21 May at Karaka Pavilion in Auckland. Visit the conference website for more details.
Prizes, experience and connection
Not only are substantial prizes up for grabs to advance your career, but the whole Young Plant Producer experience offers invaluable industry insights and experience. Mentorship and support could fast-track your career progression.
Grow your skills and knowledge
The Young Plant Producer competition will test you on all aspects of your plant production knowledge, plus what it takes to keep a successful business running.
Celebrate your achievements
Young Plant Producer culminates in the awards evening with speeches, drinks, dinner and the announcement of the winner. Celebrate with your fellow finalists, sponsors and leaders in our industry.