Congratulations to Clayton Hart from Rainbow Park Nurseries, Auckland, the NZ Young Plant Producer of the Year 2026.
Clayton took home the trophy on 21 May during a special milestone celebration of 30 years of the Young Plant Producer competition.
The four finalists undertook two days of challenges at Karaka Pavilion, Auckland on 20-21 May as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference.
Along with the winner’s trophy, Clayton was awarded a $3000 professional development fund on behalf of NZ Plant Producers (NZPPI) and IPPS (International Plant Propagators’ Society) to advance his career in plant production.
He will also take part in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award in November where he will compete against finalists from the entire horticulture industry.
The 30-year milestone of the Young Plant Producer (formerly Young Achiever) highlights the significant contribution the competition has made as an incubator of talent in the plant production industry.
During the conference, a panel of past contestants discussed how the competition shaped their early careers. Most importantly, the competition highlights the amazing career opportunities that plant production offers to young people.
Special thanks to Horticentre Charitable Trust for their ongoing commitment in sponsoring NZ Young Plant Producer of the Year. Their support plays a significant role in making the competition possible.
Pictured from left, the Young Plant Producer 2026 finalists were:
- Bianca Kitchin, Plant Hawke’s Bay
- Matt Loan, Southern Woods Nursery, Christchurch (runner-up)
- Clayton Hart, Rainbow Park Nurseries, Auckland (winner)
- Michael Blair, Tharfield Nursery, Bay of Plenty
Photo by Rico Mannall. For more information on the competition and each of the finalists visit the Young Plant Producer website.