Our Young Achiever 2022 Amy Clark has come second in the Young Horticulturalist Innovation Project competition.
The Young Horticulturist (Kaiahuone rangatahi o te tau) finals were held in Karaka last week. Amy, who is branch manager at Kings Plant Barn in Botany, was up against six other finalists representing different sectors within the horticulture industry.
Amy's Countdown Innovation Project Prize entry was a Pine Pots Business Plan, which looked at using local pine needles as the raw material of a biodegradable pot. Her plan covered Pine Pots' target market, value proposition, business opportunity, business structure, financial assessment and her recommendations. She actually recommended the business opportunity be rejected because of the high start-up costs but her research was judged to be of such a high standard that she was awarded second place.
The overall Young Hort winner was Young Grower of the year Regan Judd with second place-getter being Young Viticulturist of the Year, Sam Bain while third place went to Courtney Chamberlain who represented the Young Florist/Flower Grower sector.
The competition, which is now in its 17th year is renowned for its rigour. Finalists are judged across several challenges including practical skills, industry expertise, leadership ability, business knowledge and communication.
Young Horticulturist chairperson Hamish Gates says the Young Horticulturist of the Year event offers an opportunity like no other for emerging leaders to challenge themselves and refine their skills.
“The confidence finalists gain within our event sets them up to take on bigger challenges in their daily lives. We strive for one thing – to seed the future now,” he says.