Mitre 10 Backs Next Gen

New Zealand’s top emerging landscaping talent will gather in Christchurch this September for the 2026 Young Landscaper of the Year competition, with Mitre 10 continuing its support of the industry’s future leaders. 

Taking place at Christchurch Botanic Gardens on 19 September, Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) brings together the best talent from across the country – 30 years of age or under – to test their skills, knowledge and professionalism in a demanding one-day competition.

The event has become a showcase of the industry’s future leaders, challenging competitors across ten practical stations, covering hardscape and softscape disciplines, technical understanding, communication and problem solving.

Mitre 10 on board

Supporting that future is Registered Master Landscapers’ new Platinum Partner, Mitre 10. The national retailer joined the competition as a sponsor in 2025 and made an immediate impact, sponsoring the Profile Set Out & Deck Construction station and helping to keep competitors, judges and volunteers fuelled throughout the day.

Mitre 10 Landscaping Category Manager Martin Brannigan said supporting events such as YLOY is about investing in the long-term strength of the industry.

“What we do now can help shape the industry's future by supporting those who might lead it,” he said.

“Rewarding those who strive to improve the expertise and professionalism in landscaping seems like a good investment for all of us.”

YLOY provides a rare opportunity for competitors to benchmark themselves against their peers from around the country while receiving feedback from experienced industry judges.

Alongside the coveted overall title, competitors can also earn Outstanding Achievement Awards in Communication, Leadership, Softscape Practitioner, Hardscape Practitioner.

The Communication Award recognises excellence in interviews and interactions throughout the competition. The Leadership Award celebrates professionalism, innovation and consistency across the day, while the practitioner awards recognise the strongest performers in hardscape and softscape disciplines.

Beyond the prizes, the competition offers significant professional development opportunities. Competitors gain confidence, strengthen their practical skills and raise their profile within the wider landscaping sector.

Valuable for staff and employers

For employers, supporting an entrant can be equally valuable. It provides an opportunity to recognise emerging talent, develop future leaders and demonstrate a commitment to staff development.

Brannigan says one of the highlights of the competition is seeing the energy competitors bring to every challenge.

“I love seeing the enthusiasm and how passionate they all are carrying out their tasks – especially their presentations, which they all clearly put a lot of thought into,” he said.

“These guys and girls aren’t doing this because they have nothing else to do; they take it seriously and that can only be a good thing for the industry.”