What's it like being a woman in the landscaping industry?

This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who are currently working in the industry

Interviewee: Liz Bennett

Location: Auckland

Role: Director – Busy Lizzy Gardens

Landscaping is a super rewarding career and I would encourage anyone who loves working outdoors to get involved. There are not many women in management roles – but we actually find it helpful to be a little unique and stand out from the crowd! We really need more women in all areas, from gardeners to managers and landscape architects to project managers.

In terms of running a business, I don’t think I do anything differently from a man – but it’s helpful to be able to connect with female clients, who often get the final say on the design or plant choices.

I’d like to think that women are perceived as being just as capable and talented as men. There’s no reason why women can’t work as landscapers and builders out in the field – we don’t just have to stick to planting veggies and pretty flowers! I’d like to think the days of those stereotypes are long gone.

I’ve never felt held back or undermined working in New Zealand in a male-dominated industry. I worked for the police force in the UK for 10 years and there were certainly attitudes that needed to change there. I love Kiwis and would describe them all as super inclusive and welcoming – I’ve never once been made to feel I can’t do a job because of my gender.

Despite good attitudes, logistical barriers remain for women. The biggest is childcare, in my opinion. We need access to better childcare for after school and holiday times.

The only reason this business exists is because, six years ago, I couldn’t afford childcare and couldn’t find anyone to pick the kids up from school. So I did small weeding jobs between 9am and 2pm. I never planned to run a business – it just started from there!

Women often find it hard to get jobs that fit in with childcare, as they are often still the main caregivers and often carry the mental load for the family. Anything we can do to support women to work, if they want to, should be encouraged.

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Interviewee: Kate Campbell

Location: Queenstown

Role: Director – Kate Campbell Gardens

Being a woman in landscaping is both satisfying and challenging at the same time. Owning our own business gives us the privilege of operating it how we want – and for us, that includes flexibility to enjoy time with family and friends, and sport.

I want people who work with us to enjoy this same flexibility, and I’ve always been very strong on this! If you want to watch your kids compete in a cross-country race, or your dog is sick, take the time.

We operate on a family-first basis. We’re all juggling lots of balls and I’m hugely proud and grateful for the team that I work with, as well as my two boys and my husband. We all work incredibly hard as a team and have fun.

I particularly enjoy working outside and keeping fit, building relationships with clients and suppliers, and designing, creating and maintaining outdoor spaces that bring people joy.

We work in a great industry – but there have been challenges. Early on when I started the business, it felt like it took longer to prove myself than it might have for males. Now that it has a solid reputation, we are perceived no differently to a male-operated business.

I saw the local high school had an opportunity for students to attend a Women in Trades industry event in Manapouri recently, so I think opportunities like that will encourage women into landscaping and other trade-based industries. We also encourage local and international university and high school students to undertake summer internships with us. Being outside and involved in the landscape industry is good for so many reasons!

I think there is always room for people to be more accepting of each other – and this isn’t necessarily gender based.

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Interviewee: Zoë Taylor

Location: Tauranga

Role: Team Gardener – Arvida

The best part of being a women in the industry is belonging to a small but mighty group. While there are many women working in horticulture and gardening, female landscapers are still few and far between – even though, in my opinion, we’re in the best trade out there!

Even though I love the industry, there are challenges women face that men don’t – and that needs to change. A major one is the lack of proper site facilities. Clean toilets and wash areas are often overlooked. Not everyone is comfortable being deep in the bush on a planting project without basic hygiene amenities. This needs to change – and it’s well past time for all sites to meet a minimum standard.

Another challenge is navigating the ‘boys’ club’ culture that still exists in some workplaces, where no matter how hard you work, or how much you contribute, you’re not part of the inner circle. This kind of environment is driven by insecurity and outdated attitudes, and it often causes good people to leave the industry or lose their confidence. We need to shift this culture if we’re serious about making space for everyone.

While I’ve seen amazing growth and success among some of my female colleagues, I’ve also witnessed disheartening situations, where women have been overlooked, undervalued, or driven out. It’s frustrating to see talented women being passed over for roles, while men with less commitment or experience are hired and then leave after a short stint.

For things to change, equal job opportunities and fair pay, regardless of gender, are essential. I also think there needs to be more visibility and awareness around how to get into landscaping, such as school talks, social media, career expos and community outreach.

Organisations like NAWIC and Women in Trades NZ (WITNZ) are doing incredible work. I’m looking forward to being part of a high school panel event next year with WITNZ, where we’ll share real stories – the good, the bad, and the honest truth!

One thing’s for certain – I absolutely love landscaping. Despite the challenges, the wins far outweigh the struggles and I’ve met some of the most amazing people through this trade.

We’re incredibly lucky with the variety that our industry offers and I can’t wait to see more women step into the green world of landscaping here in Aotearoa.