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Christchurch landscaper Jarod Anderson crowned Young Landscaper of the Year 2024!


The tightly contested Prebble Young Landscaper of the Year competition, hosted by the

Registered Master Landscapers in Wellington, was an incredible display of skill by the

nation’s top ten young landscapers. However, this year’s winner almost didn’t board the

plane.


“I nearly didn’t come as my wife is due to have our second baby any day, but I’m so glad we made it happen,” said competition winner Jarod Anderson, who owns his Christchurch-based company Anderson Landscapes, shortly after he received his award.


“It was an incredible experience. Normally you do one type of task for days or weeks at a time, whereas here we did every task a landscaper might be asked to do – plus a speech and interview – in less than 48 hours, so it was a true test of skill and character.”


Anderson said he had no idea where his performance might land him, given the talent of the other contenders.


“The level of skill everyone brought to the table was clearly high, and some of the speeches were incredible, so I’m sure it was difficult for the judges to make a decision.”


Registered Master Landscapers’ chair Janet Clake confirms this was the case – with 1400 points available, there was only 13 between first and second place and 200 between all contestants.


“Every year it seems the calibre of participants gets higher and higher, which is testament to the increasing professionalism of the sector and the commitment of our members to developing the young talent in their companies,” she said.


“Supporting a contestant requires an investment in time and effort from the company putting forward a candidate and we are so pleased to see members of Registered Master Landscapers investing in the future of the industry.”


All aspects of landscaping


Held at The Dell in Wellington Botanic Gardens, this year’s event showcased the abilities of the best young landscapers in the industry by challenging competitors in a series of practical and theoretical events across a range of expertise.


Stations included:


• Digger Operation

• Irrigation Set Up

• Permeable Paving

• Garden Design

• Plant Identification

• Softscape Installation

• Profile Set Out & Deck Construction

• Tools & Trailer


There were two more contenders from Christchurch – Kristen Gill and Sean Pearless from Sculptural Landscapes – who were both impressive on the day, and Sean managed to land an Outstanding Achievement Award for his efforts.


“It was such a great experience overall and to come away with the Leadership Award was really awesome,” said Sean. “Sculptural Landscapes is a lot smaller than most of the other companies who put forward contestants, so it was great to put us on display and show the quality of people on our team.


“But even if I hadn’t won, I would have been stoked to be part of it, as it was great to meet and learn from the other contestants, and to learn more about the organisation itself. It showed what a community Registered Master Landscapers has created.”


There were four Outstanding Achievement Awards, which went to:


• Communication: Taumata O Te Ra Lowe (Luijten Landscaping in Auckland)

• Leadership: Sean Pearless (Sculptural Landscapes in Christchurch)

• Softscape Practitioner: Jarod Anderson (Anderson Landscapes in Christchurch)

• Hardscape Practitioner: Ryan Harris (Second Nature in Auckland)


Benefits extend beyond competition day


For many previous winners, the Award stands as a defining moment in their young careers, putting them in a position to learn more and take the next step in their team and the wider industry.


Many have since gone on to start their own business and leave their mark on the industry.


As Clarke succinctly puts it: “This event is an investment in the whole of the industry, encouraging its future leaders. It reflects the level of professionalism we expect of our members, and the level of professionalism those who employ a Registered Master Landscaper can expect.”



For media enquiries, contact:

Dinniss Communications I Meagan Robertson

meagan@dinniss.co.nz I 027 826 000

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