Doors opened for winner

The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2011 competition is open for applications, prompting the Marlborough-based winner of last year's contest to reiterate his enthusiasm for it.

Delegat's Wine Estate viticulturist Stuart Dudley will this year use his travel prize to study cooler-climate wine regions in South America and Europe.

"This is a project I had always dreamed about. The young hort competition has opened that door [and] assisted in identifying contacts to meet when I am overseas.

"The contacts I have made through the competition are invaluable. I don't think there is any other way in this country that a young person in the horticultural industry can meet people at the top of their game."

It is open to people aged under 30 who are working fulltime in the horticulture industry. Participants enter the competition under one of eight horticultural sectors, including aboriculture, fruit and vegetable, floriculture, landscaping, nursery and garden, recreation and amenity, and winegrowers.

The winner of each sector competes in the final in Auckland in November, with the 2011 winner earning a $9000 travel package from a total prize pool of $40,000. The runner-up will receive a $5500 Massey scholarship and $2000 travel package.

Mr Dudley had to overcome a lot of nerves and work on his confidence as he made his way through the regional and sector competitions to reach the final.

"I also had to face my weaknesses. Mine is a technical job, so I had to clue up on more practical industry applications, such as the use of machinery and workplace safety."

Application deadlines vary between sectors, but will be no later than June 30.