Connor Sullivan, a landscape architect with Canterra, has been named Registered Master Landscapers’ Young Landscaper of the Year 2026. The national final brought ten emerging professionals to Christchurch to test the breadth of their landscaping skills.

Two days of testing

Finalists sat written tests and interviews on Friday 18 September. On Saturday 19 September they moved through a full day of practical stations and delivered speeches at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

They were assessed across machinery operation, trailer and tool handling, soft landscape setout, lawn installation, profile setout, design, irrigation, plant identification, paving and hardscape construction. The programme also tested planning, health and safety, communication and the ability to work accurately under pressure.

Sullivan also received the Outstanding Achievement in Softscape Practice Award. He brings hands-on experience in landscape design and construction to his role at Canterra, with a focus on functional, enduring and sustainable outdoor spaces.

What the winner receives

As overall winner, Sullivan receives a prize package worth more than $8,000. It includes use of a Geely Riddara RD6 electric ute for October, a STIHL MSA 160 battery chainsaw kit, a Site Safe Health and Safety in Construction Scholarship, a DEWALT compound mitre saw and electric blower, a Primary ITO Prezzy Card and an Intelligro landscape supplies voucher.

The title was announced at a sell-out celebration dinner at Chateau on the Park. Guests recognised all ten finalists, the four Outstanding Achievement Award categories and the 2026 Landscape Legacy Award recipients before the evening continued with dinner and dancing.

What the association says

Registered Master Landscapers’ Rachel Louie says Sullivan’s result reflects what the competition is designed to reveal. “Connor’s result reflects the qualities this competition is designed to reveal: broad practical capability, sound judgement, confident communication and the ability to perform under pressure. He should be enormously proud, as should Canterra and the Canterbury landscaping community,” she says.

Young Landscaper of the Year is the association’s national competition for professionals aged 30 and under. It gives emerging talent industry recognition, detailed feedback, professional connections and a platform to show the skill involved in contemporary landscaping. All finalists received extensive kit bags, gifts and a mentoring programme in addition to the experience of competing in the final.

Registered Master Landscapers is New Zealand’s national association for landscaping professionals, supporting accreditation, professional standards, industry development and recognition across design, build and maintain disciplines.