The 2024 winner and finalists are…
Anna England is both our 2024 Young Plant Producer and the Young Horticulturist of the Year!
Anna England of Amberley in Christchurch was named Young Plant Producer of the Year at our competition in July 2024 and then in late October she won the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. She also was awarded second prize in the Woolworths Innovation Project.
This is a huge achievement as Young Hort is a very tough, hotly contested event.
We are extremely proud of Anna and will follow her career with great interest.
Young Plant Producer 2024 competitors:
Anna England is Sales Coordinator at Elliotts Wholesale Nursery in Christchurch
Anna England, winner
“Hello, I’m Anna! 4 years ago, I moved down to Christchurch (from Taranaki) to study horticulture at Lincoln University. I have always loved being in the garden, and I enjoy learning about organics and permaculture, as well as new tech used in growing.
I now work as a sales coordinator at Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery, a role I love for the interactions it offers with both incredible plants and fantastic people. My time in horticulture so far has been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive industry. I see the young plant producer competition as an opportunity to challenge myself to develop new skills and knowledge, as well as a great chance to meet other inspired people who are committed to the industry.”
Johannes Andresen is Despatch Manager and Sales at Tharfield Nursery in Tauranga
Johannes Andresen, runner-up
“Hi, my name is Johannes. I am 29 years old, born and raised in Germany. My current role at Tharfield Nursery Ltd is Despatch Manager and Sales. I am entering the competition as I think it will be a great challenge and experience. I will learn loads and will meet great people from the industry.
My greatest achievement is challenging myself to live in NZ, where I now get to be part of the industry. I love, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking- any outdoor activity.”
Ellen Ballantine, is the Team Lead R&D Operations at Enza Zaden in Auckland
Ellen Ballantine, runner-up
“I’m the Team Lead for R&D Operations at Enza Zaden a global seed production company. Our NZ crop portfolios are Pumpkins and Onions.
I've worked in horticulture since 2014 and accidentally started working full time in 2016 and never left. I completed my apprenticeship in 2023 and have just started my level 5 Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management.
I've been lucky enough to work in a wide array of nurseries; from forestry, vegetable seedlings, medicinal cannabis and one of NZs largest ornamental nurseries.
I am entering Young Plant Producer for 3rd time as it’s such an amazing opportunity to challenge myself and network with mentors and like minded industry members. I hope that by entering this I can encourage or inspire others to consider entering in the years to come and bring more awareness to our industry and my sector.
I have my fair share of house plants, and even went so far to make an instagram for these! Which included snippets of what it's like to work in the industry and some educational posts on plant care.
When I'm not on site you'll find me enjoying all things camping, hiking, diving or fishing related or hanging out at home or the river with my partner and our dog Flip!”
Jessica Jack is a Nursery Production Worker at Kerikeri Plant Production in Kerikeri
Jessica Jack, runner-up
“I grew up on a 7-acre orchard/market garden where my parents were heavily involved in the feijoa industry and other fruit and vegetables. I was also helping and learning which is where I got my green fingers from.
I work at Kerikeri Plant Production as a nursery production worker including all the seed propagation. I am currently studying my level 3 in plant production and then will head onto my level 4. I am entering to learn new skills and different ways other nurseries produce plants including automated propagation. It would be great to meet other people doing a similar job and that have similar skills as me.
Some of my greatest achievements are endorsed with excellence in photography completing all 3 NCEA levels. Level 3 in Equine stable procedures getting a trophy of excellence in stable craft, and level 3 in general farming skills.
Outside of work I enjoy hikes in the busy, being outdoors around nature and plants, taking photographs, horse riding, being around friends and traveling.
My parents are both still into plants and gardening, still propagating their own and some native plants. My brother is also into plants he worked at the previous plant nursery I did.”
Could you be featured here 2025?
If you are currently in your twenties and work in plant production, think about applying for Young Plant Producer 2025.
Applications are open and close on the 31st March. To get a copy of the form click the Apply Now button up the top of the page to download the registration form.