We are stoked to announce that our Propagation Manager, Lydia O’Dowd, has clinched the title of 2023 New Zealand Young Plant Producer of the Year. After two challenging days at Lincoln University, Lydia outperformed four talented finalists, earning her place to represent our sector in the upcoming NZ Young Horticulturist Competition in November.

The competition tested the contestants on all aspects of plant production, including finance and dispatch, biosecurity, plant propagation, tool maintenance, and more. Besides technical proficiency, the judges were on the lookout for leaders with a positive attitude and dynamic personality. Lydia emerged as the perfect embodiment of these traits, just pipping four other deserving finalists from the nursery sector.

The entire nursery team is incredibly proud of Lydia and all the hard work she’s put in these last few months!