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YOUNG LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR 2026
Ben Malpas, Espaso Verde, Hawke’s Bay
Benjamin Lamond, Greenscapes, Canterbury
Christian Cox, Luijten Landscaping, Auckland
Connor Sullivan, Canterra, Canterbury
Joe Hagley, Southern Landmarx, Otago
Lachlan Bensemann, Forever Green, Canterbury
Luke Brinkmann-Kroemer, Diva Landscapes, Otago
Richard Brahne, Second Nature Gardens, Auckland
Taumata Lowe, OTERA Landscapes, Auckland
Taylor Allsop, Readylawn Industries, Canterbury
LANDSCAPE OF DISTINCTION
There are 14 entry categories across residential, commercial, and environmental works. You can enter one or multiple projects into as many categories as you choose.
DESIGN
Residential Design up to 500m2
Residential Design over 500m2
Commercial Design up to 2,000m2
Commercial Design over 2,000m2
Key criteria for judging will be the success of the integration of the design and technical solutions with the site and the value of the contribution of individual design elements to enhance the overall concept.
BUILD
Residential Build up to $250,000
Residential Build over $250,000
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Commercial Build over $500,000
Projects may include elements of soft landscaping, though the judges will especially be looking at construction skill and/or planting skill sets and methodology. Green Wall projects may also be judged under this category.
MAINTAIN
Residential and Commercial Maintain up to 1,500m2
Residential and Commercial Maintain over 1,500m2
Projects may include elements of soft landscaping, though the judges will especially be looking at construction skill and/or planting skill sets and methodology. Green Wall projects may also be judged under this category.
BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TOGETHER
Given the numbers of entries into these categories in the past, this year, the management and maintenance of gardens in either the private or public sector have been grouped together.
Submissions in these categories will be assessed on the maintenance programme in place, the appearance and health of the garden, and the impact that this programme has had on the design aesthetic.
YOUNG LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR
We recommend parking at the Botanic Gardens car park off Armagh Street and walking across the footbridge to the event, located beside the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
The main access route is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. For accessible parking, mobility access, wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other accessibility requirements within the Botanic Gardens, contact the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre directly on 03 941 7590.
YOUNG LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR 2026
10 finalists, 10 stations, one champion
Free entry to the public
Christchurch Botanic Gardens, beside the Visitor Centre café
Saturday 19 September 2026
8.30am–4.00pm
Finalist speeches at 1.00pm
Family friendly, with trade stalls, games and prizes
Rain or shine
REGISTERED MASTER LANDSCAPERS
Accreditation is granted by Registered Master Landscapers — it is assessed, not self-declared. The badges on a member’s profile show exactly which disciplines they are accredited in.
DESIGN
Planning and designing outdoor spaces — concepts, plans and planting.
BUILD
Constructing the landscape — hard and soft landscaping, structures and surfaces.
MAINTAIN
Caring for a landscape over time so it keeps looking its best.
A member may hold one, two or all three. Only the accreditations they currently hold are shown on their profile.