This year saw the biggest-ever Young Landscaper of the Year and Landscapes of Distinction events, with the most-ever entrants across both competitions – a feat RML CEO Janine Scott attributes to the hard work of entrants and commitment of industry partners
Hosted by Christchurch’s Urban Paving the day before the Landscapes of Distinction Awards, industry support was not found wanting at the 2021 Young Landscaper of the Year. Several sponsors were on hand to support and naming sponsor Prebbles Seeds Turf World provided a cash prize to winner Tama Ritter.
On competition day, long-term RML partners Prebbles Seeds Turf World, Firth, PlaceMakers, Resene and Husqvarna, together with sponsors Makita, SimPro, Interlink, Straight Curve and Little Big Tree Company, provided support and helped judge the competition.
Participants were tested on a range of practical and written activities, including landscape profile set-out, plant identification, digger operation, paving, lawn preparation, a face-to-face interview, and a speech.
Young Landscaper of the Year competition hosts, Urban Paving, have supported RML for more than six years and this year marks their second time hosting the YLOY competition. The Christchurch-based supplier has over 16 staff, a 20-year history and is a market leader in concrete paving and landscape supplies.
Meeting of Minds
Urban Paving Account Manager, Taylor Reid, said sponsoring events such as this are not only an investment in the industry’s youth, it also creates an opportunity to discuss issues affecting everyone from suppliers to landscapers to apprentices.
“We get leading landscapers and architects in one place, giving us a chance to catch up and chat about the current climate and trends in different regions,” he said.
“It was also extremely rewarding to see so many compete
at our site on the day. The atmosphere of the crowd was great, there was a real buzz around. And it was cool to see so many sponsors and volunteers and families coming to support contestants – that was extra rewarding.”
Future Focus
Prebble Seeds Turf World has been the major sponsor for the Young Landscaper event for the past four years and involved in the competition for around eight years. Prebble Seeds Upper South Island manager Bruce Lowe said the company is happy to sponsor the event to show support for RML and the future of the industry.
“The quality of entrants is improving each year and selecting a clear winner is getting harder and harder. To see this growth in entrants’ skills and confidence completely
reiterates the importance of the event and our involvement. The young landscapers coming through the system are the future for the Master Landscapers – and the future is bright.”
Growing together
Janine said that supporting competitions such as these are at the heart of RML, as they provide members and industry supporters an opportunity to come together to recognise the professionalism of RML members’ work and development of young landscapers in our industry.
“The impact of our events in 2021 is clear – we have experienced an increase in membership applications and enquiries from industry looking to work closer with us on programmes that support members and the ongoing development of young landscapers entering our industry.”
The importance members place on meeting up in person is also clear, and in response RML will be increasing the number of Meet Ups, which provide an opportunity for members and industry to come together regularly. RML also plans to use its increasing membership for advocacy in the industry.
“Collectively, our members and industry supporters have a deep wealth of knowledge and expertise,” says Janine. “We will be using this strength to advocate on issues affecting our industry and to provide benefits valued by our members. By working together more closely with industry on common issues and desired outcomes, we look to strengthen the return on investment of these partnerships for all involved.
“I have no doubt building these closer ties and increasing communication with our partners and sponsors puts our Association members in a far stronger position for the future.”
If you would like to reach Janine Scott or the RML executive team to discuss partnerships and sponsor options, please go to masterlandscapers.org.nz/executive-team
Registered Master Landscapers is committed to supporting landscape professionals and young future leaders.
For more information contact CEO Janine Scott on business@masterlandscapers.org.nz or phone 0275 444 090 www.masterlandscapers.org.nz