Celebrating Our 2026 Young Amenity Horticulturist

May 13, 2026

We brought together New Zealand’s top emerging horticulture talent in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and celebrated a standout leader. We are proud to share that Meg Spittal of Auckland Botanic Gardens is our 2026 winner. She excelled across a demanding programme designed to test practical capability, industry knowledge, and leadership.

Person wearing a high-visibility vest kneeling on grass and inspecting a lawn mower, with gardening tools and a wooden deck in the background.

Finalists took on real-world challenges including plant and pest identification, irrigation, maintenance operations, business case development, and public speaking. Each task reflected the essential work that supports parks, gardens, and open spaces across Aotearoa.

Meg distinguished herself with her strong performance and clear sense of purpose.

“I love that the work we do in public gardens provides spaces for our communities to recreate and find joy.”

As organisers, we designed this competition to grow future leaders, and Meg represents exactly that. She sees this achievement as a chance to strengthen both her own capability and the wider sector.

“Winning Young Amenity Horticulturist supports me to grow as a leader in the sector I love.”

Group of people gathered around a table indoors examining and discussing different plant samples laid out in front of them, with several participants wearing high-visibility vests.
Our programme continues to succeed because of the organisations that stand behind it. We thank Horticentre Charitable Trust, our Premier Sponsor, for their ongoing commitment to building capability across the industry and investing in its future.

We also acknowledge Citycare Property for their support in creating opportunities for young horticulturists to enter and grow within the sector.

Alongside MetroGreen, Easy Big Trees, and the team at Hamilton Gardens, these partnerships enable us to deliver an event that reflects the strength and potential of amenity horticulture in Aotearoa.

We thank every finalist who stepped forward and contributed their skills, knowledge, and passion. You represent the future of our industry.

Meg now goes on to represent amenity horticulture at the national Young Horticulturist of the Year competition later this year. We are proud to see her take this next step.

Image credit: Mike Walen