We’d like to congratulate Devin Westley for his outstanding performance throughout the Young Horticulturalist of the Year 2018. He was placed second overall and won several awards on the night, taking home over $13,000 in prizes.

Devin Westley is an extraordinary young man with a huge passion for his work as a nurseryman and innovator in the industry. Southern Woods and NZ Plant Producers’ Industry are delighted with his placing as New Zealand Young Horticulturalist. Devin achieved an overall second place finish in the competition. Devin also took home awards for best practice, practical activities and best speech on the night at the award’s dinner in Auckland last night.

Southern Woods retail manager Chris Smith says, “We’re immensely proud of Devin for gaining second place in this very close and intense competition. Devin has already made a huge contribution to our industry, everything he undertakes at Southern Woods he does with professionalism and the goal of achieving the best possible results for all parties.”

“We were quietly confident that with the right preparation and his can-do attitude, Devin would succeed. His eagerness to learn and desire to share his knowledge has made him an invaluable member of the Southern Woods team and we will celebrate his achievement with him soon,” Mr Smith said.

NZPPI CE Matt Dolan says it was clear when Mr Westley first won the Young Achiever Award that he was a belt and braces man and would risk no aspect of this competition getting his second best.

“Devin is a delightful young man with a powerhouse of ideas and passion for the nursery industry and environmental stewardship. He is truly and inspiration to others. This is what we need to take NZ nurseries to the next level of science and innovation,” Matt Dolan said.

Runner Up – Young Horticulturalist of the Year

For placing second, Devin takes home a $5,500 Massey University study scholarship, $750 worth of ICL Specialty Fertiliser products and a $100 NZ Horticultural magazine subscription for one year.

The Bayer Best Practice Award: Devin Westley

Devin received the highest score in a range of activities with a focus on crop management practices and sustainability during the Grand Final. He receives a $2,500 scholarship.

T&G Practical Components Award: Devin Westley

Devin received the best overall score for practical activities in the Grand Final and earns a $3,500 travel scholarship.

The Best Speech Award: Devin Westley

Devin received a cash prize for achieving the highest score for his speech on the night.