Queenstown landscaper wins Young Landscaper of the Year
A young Queenstown landscaper was “totally taken by surprise” when he was named New Zealand’s Young Landscaper of the Year at an awards ceremony last night (Saturday July 28).
Twenty-seven-year-old Andrew Rae of Southern Landmarx saw off five other finalists to be named City Parks Services Young Landscaper of the Year, part of Landscaping New Zealand’s 2012 awards event held in Hamilton.
Mr Rae spent the day before the awards ceremony demonstrating his practical skills such as pruning, paving, planting, laying out a landscaping ‘profile’ and identifying plants before having to give a three-minute speech on the benefits of landscaping to the conference delegates.
Admitting he was “most nervous” about giving the speech, he thought it went well but had no idea he would even make the top three.
“They announced the winners in reverse order from third place, so when my name didn’t come up, I was a bit disappointed I hadn’t even made the top three,” he said.
“When my name was called out as the winner I was totally taken by surprise.
“Considering I only entered the awards at the last minute after my employers reminded me I had the opportunity, I’m really glad I did now.
“The judges said I was very thorough and confident on the practical side of things, so it’s given me a lot more confidence in what I do and the skills I have, and makes me feel like I’m on the right track.
“I’m really thrilled with the support I’ve had from my employers Joe and Jaye Nutting.”
The Southern Landmarx owners said Andrew “fully deserved” his win.
“We’ve known for a long time that he’s hugely capable and a great asset to the team at Southern Landmarx, so to have that recognised at national level is very rewarding for Andrew and us,” said Southern Landmarx managing director Joe Nutting.
“We pride ourselves on nurturing professional, qualified staff, and for our clients it ensures peace of mind when they entrust us to deliver a quality service and product from design through to construction and maintenance.
“Landscaping New Zealand’s Landscapes of Distinction Awards event is one of the landscaping industry’s most prestigious events, so we’re delighted for Andrew.”
As well as a National Certificate in Landscaping from Otago Polytechnic, Mr Rae has a broad range of practical experience including many years’ landscaping work in Otago, grain harvesting in Australia and grounds work on a large estate in the UK.
The win automatically qualifies Andrew to compete in the Grand Final of the Young Horticulturist of the Year to be held in Auckland in November.
Southern Landmarx carries out work throughout the Wakatipu and Central Otago region, and over the years has been associated with many award-winning properties.