For the first time, the Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) competition was run
independently of Landscapes of Distinction – and it certainly held its own! Hosted at
the Wellington Botanic Gardens on an ‘unbeatable’ good day in Wellington, the event
was labelled a resounding success – a feat that wouldn’t be possible without the
support of event sponsors
While passionate young landscapers demonstrated impressive talent in a publicly accessible venue that was great for building awareness of Registered Master Landscapers and the professionalism of its members, several key sponsors hosted skill stations. The long-term naming sponsor, Prebbles Seeds Turf World, provided a first-place cash prize.
Long standing support
Prebbles Seeds Turf World has been the major sponsor for the Young Landscaper event for the past seven years. Upper South Island manager, Bruce Lowe, says the company is happy to sponsor the event to show support for RML and the future of the industry, adding that choosing the winner was no easy task.
“The quality of entrants is improving each year and selecting a clear winner is getting harder and harder. To see this growth in entrants’ skills and confidence completely reiterates the importance of the event and our involvement.”
All gold, silver, and bronze sponsors – Prebbles Seeds Turf World, Mitre 10, Straightcurve, Firth, Horizon International, Hydroflow, Simpro, Luijten Landscaping, Primary ITO, Court Kings, Sole Landscapes, Kennards Hire, Husqvarna, and Wellington City Council – provided support and helped judge the entrants throughout the event.
A win-win arrangement
Shane Parker, director of Straightcurve, has been involved for the past six years and says the benefits of sponsoring are ten-fold, as there are not many opportunities in the industry where the community comes together. Shane interacted with the contestants and the public by
running a mini putt competition made with his garden edging product – pleasing those who played and showcasing the incredible adaptability of his product.
But that’s not the only reason he remains involved – he believes investing in the younger generation is the industry’s responsibility.
“They are the most important part of any business. We all have our people and foremen, but as time goes on, we all get replaced. If we don’t harvest that talent and give them an opportunity to grow their skills and confidence to be that foreman or business owner, the industry doesn’t become more professional.”
Bernice Cumming from Firth, who ran and judged the permeable paving station with a colleague, says Firth sponsors YLOY to support industry education and promote Registered Master Landscapers.
Future proofing the industry
A first-time sponsor, irrigation provider Hydroflow managed one of the stations and was impressed at the knowledge of the competitors and the value of the event in general.
“The importance of sponsoring an event like this is immense. Having the chance to help mould the Youth coming through and being part of growing the landscape industry is not only a privilege but a necessity in today’s world,” said Damien Walsh, Irrigation Technical Lead at Hydroflow Irrigation.
“To show that the industry is valued by its suppliers means that strong relationships are formed, and the future can be bright for all.”
As the training provider for landscaping apprenticeships, Primary ITO is a staunch advocate for both YLOY and RML.
“Formal industry training is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to career development for NZ’s young landscapers,” says Mark Orr, Sector Manager for Landscaping, Arboriculture, and Amenity Horticulture at Primary ITO.
“Collaborating, networking, and ultimately testing yourself against your peers is vital for development and an important part of career progression. That’s why Primary ITO is thrilled to be able to support this competition.”
Feeding the need
A new RML sponsor, Mitre 10, came on board with guns blazing – or, in this case, BBQ flaming! On the day, Mitre 10 sponsored the Profile Set Out & Deck Construction station and ensured all competitors and judges were well-fed with a delicious BBQ lunch.
Landscaping Category Manager, Martin Brannigan, is a staunch advocate of RML and sees the importance of supporting future generations.
“What we do now can help shape the industry’s future by supporting those who might lead it,” says Martin.
“Rewarding those who strive to improve the expertise and professionalism in landscaping seems like a good investment for all of us.”
He thoroughly enjoys being part of the event:
“I love seeing the enthusiasm and how passionate they all were carrying out their tasks – especially their presentations, which they all clearly put a lot of thought into. These guys and girls aren’t doing this because they have nothing else to do; they take it seriously, and that can only be a good thing for the industry.”