Young Landscaper of the Year is designed to test the full breadth of what a landscaper can do – practical skills, technical knowledge, communication and leadership, compressed into less than 48 hours. It is deliberately demanding. But for those who have been through it, the experience tends to leave a mark that goes well beyond the competition itself.

We spoke to a few past finalists about what led them to enter and what they took away from it.

Paul Southan, Landscape Projects (YLOY 2010, 2016)

Paul Southan first competed in Young Landscaper of the Year at 21, working for a small landscaping company at the time. What followed was a career that grew at one of the country’s most respected landscape firms – including a second YLOY win – before he launched his own business advising and project managing landscape companies across New Zealand.

“Really, if anything, entering Young Landscaper of the Year is about putting your name out there and becoming recognisable to everybody in the industry.”

For Paul, the confidence, connections and credibility that come from competing help launch a career, not just a job – whether that means growing within your current role, finding the next one, or eventually going out on your own.

“If you can show leadership, creativity and knowledge in front of people, you’re more likely to get the opportunity to use those skills in front of clients – and companies want people who can communicate.”

Paul has spent years interviewing landscapers for roles and knows what makes someone stand out. In a world where CVs are increasingly hard to differentiate, having Young Landscaper of the Year finalist on yours is a credible, verifiable achievement that counts.

Jarod Anderson, Anderson Landscapes (YLOY 2024)

Jarod entered the 2024 competition as a sole trader and non-member – which, as he acknowledges, is not the most obvious path in.

“As a non-member and sole trader, the thought of entering can naturally feel quite daunting because you don’t have access to the same guidance and information as member entrants. But that certainly shouldn’t discourage you. Since you work independently, your skills are likely on par with others – and the entire competition was incredibly inclusive and welcoming. The best thing you can do for yourself and your business is to give it a nudge.”

What led him to enter in the first place? A familiar feeling for anyone competitive.

“I’d been working alongside a previous winner on a few projects – and honestly, a bit of competitive edge pushed me to enter.”

The competition surprised him in ways he didn’t anticipate.

“The biggest surprise was the confidence it gave me. Like many people in the trades, you’re usually focused on getting the work done and moving on to the next job. You don’t often stop and measure yourself against the wider industry. The competition showed me that the skills I’d developed over the years were valuable and that I could perform under pressure alongside some very talented landscapers from around the country.”

For Jarod, the experience also shifted how he thinks about his work and his business.

“Landscaping is much more than building outdoor spaces. We’re creating environments that people live in, entertain in and make memories in. Since the competition I’ve become even more focused on delivering high-quality work and building a business that reflects those standards.”

Jarod is now a Registered Master Landscaper – and the 2024 Young Landscaper of the Year.