The hunt is on for New Zealand's 2019 Young Horticulturist. Up for grabs is the prestige the title carries plus a prize pool of $50,000.

The 2019 event is being officially launched this month with the country's best young men and women preparing to go head-to-head in six sector competitions throughout New Zealand.

One finalist will represent each of the six sectors: Young Amenity, Young Achiever (representing plant producers), Young Grower, Young Viticulturist, Young Landscaper and Young Florist/floriculturist.

The sector competitions determine qualifiers for the Young Horticulturist annual competition in November. The competition recognises and celebrates excellence in people aged under 30, employed in the horticulture industry.

2019 Young Horticulturist Competition chairperson Elle Anderson it is an opportunity for personal and professional growth for young leaders in the wider horticultural industry. It will inspire the industry and ensure the industry stays ahead of the world with innovation.

Last year's winner was Annabel Bulk, a viticulturist with Felton Road Wines in Central Otago's Bannockburn.

'It also opened my eyes to the variety of work in horticulture and allowed me to network with supporting industry bodies. These experiences were invaluable and meant I could take knowledge back to the viticultural sector and apply new understandings to how I work.

'I have gained a huge amount of confidence from the win, enabling me to be a better leader and team member,” she says. Entry forms for sector competitions and application closing dates are available from the individual industry associations.