Anna Kelland has been crowned the 2026 Young Horticulturist of the Year after excelling in a demanding two-day national competition in Auckland.
The Constellation Brands viticulture technician from Marlborough earned the title after representing the wine industry against four other finalists from the grower, arborist, amenity and plant producer sectors.
Contestants tackled practical, technical, business and sustainability challenges, while also submitting an innovation project.
Alongside the overall title, Anna won the Woolworths Innovation Project Award, the Woolworths Industry Knowledge Award and the Horticentre Charitable Trust Sustainability Award.
Her prize package includes a professional development scholarship, a bespoke glass trophy and cash prizes totalling more than $25,000.
“I’m so excited. Thank you to everyone involved,” Anna says.
The 25-year-old graduated from Eastern Institute of Technology as valedictorian in 2022 with degrees in Viticulture and Wine Science. Anna is the 10th Young Viticulturist to go on to win the national horticulture title.
