Finalists
Young Plant Producer 2026 competitors
Bianca Kitchin
Plant Hawke’s BayI’m Bianca Kitchin, Sales Manager at Plant Hawke’s Bay, a wholesale native plant nursery.
I grew up on a cattle and sheep farm in the Bay and then completed a degree in Environmental and Conservation Science at Federation University in Melbourne. This enhanced my interest in restoration and flora and fauna and has led to replanting a Jarrah Forest in Western Australia and then moving back home to work in the nursery industry.
I love working in this industry as every day is different and it's so rewarding seeing seeds grow into seedlings that help transform bare paddocks into thriving healthy landscapes.
I’m entering this competition to challenge myself, develop new skills and connect with like-minded people in the industry. Outside of work, I enjoy camping, gardening and spending time with my dog, family and friends.
Clayton Hart
Rainbow Park Nurseries, AucklandI decided to study horticulture at Massey Uni after spending my summer holidays working in a tomato glasshouse. I didn’t always plan to work in the nursery sector but a paper I took sparked a love for the Flora of New Zealand which led me to a holiday job in a native nursery.
New connections in the industry took me from Joy Plants to Totara Glen Nursery and eventually to Rainbow Park Nurseries where I am now. I have recently moved up into a new role as the Young Plant Production manager.
I am entering the competition to grow and test my skills in Horticulture and to connect with young leaders who share a love for plants and horticulture.
Outside of work I love spending time exploring the beautiful bush and beaches of New Zealand. At home I enjoy gardening, reading, and hanging out with my fiancée and our cat.
Matt Loan
Southern Woods Nursery, ChristchurchI live in the port town of Lyttelton, but was born in Invercargill, schooled in Nelson and I have also lived near Kaikoura in a place called Kekerengu. I am the youngest child in a family of 5 with 2 older brothers. I worked in a supermarket and then a warehouse after high school before discovering that my passion for nature could be applied to a career in plant production.
I am currently a nurseryperson at Southern Woods Nursery where I have worked for nearly 4 years, starting in the logistics department before moving to the propagation department.
I’m entering the competition to challenge myself and network with like-minded people in the industry. I hope to come away from it inspired by my competitors and with new knowledge to bring back to my everyday work.
My greatest achievement in life is adopting, caring for, and gaining the trust of my cat over the last 6 years. I love to explore New Zealand and go hiking with my patern, am into gardening and am also a film photographer.
Michael Blair
Tharfield Nursery, Bay of PlentyFrom planting orchards and and exporting fruit, to analysing soil health and understanding nutrient uptake - I am the proud owner of a very diverse background, driven by curiosity and intellect.
I am entering this competition to challenge myself, further my career and make relevant connections with like-minded individuals. I hope to better my technical abilities and find an innovative space in horticulture.
One of my greatest achievements is one of innovation - using filamentous algae to remove microplastics from wastewater, the first study of its kinds.
Outside of work you can find me playing guitar or scrambling up the side of a hill in flip-flops.
Support the finalists!
The competition will take place at Karaka on 20-21 May as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner. Attendees are invited to come along, support the finalists, and be there when the 2026 winner is announced. Registration is required to attend.
Join the NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner by registering at: www.nzppiconference.co.nz