New Zealand horticulture: Anna Kelland claims 2026 national title

Anna Kelland has been named the 2026 Young Horticulturist of the Year. The 25-year-old viticulturist from Marlborough claimed the top national honor during a ceremony in Auckland, marking the culmination of a two-day competitive event.

Kelland’s path to the top award began in 2022 when she graduated as valedictorian from the Eastern Institute of Technology with concurrent degrees in Viticulture and Wine Science. She subsequently secured a scholarship with Constellation Brands, where she has worked as a Viticulture Technician. Her selection follows her 2025 win as the New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year.

The competition required participants to complete practical, technical, business, and sustainability challenges. Competitors also submitted innovation projects for review. Kelland faced four other finalists representing the grower, arborist, amenity, and plant producer sectors. Judges evaluated the candidates based on their industry understanding and technical execution.

In addition to the main title, Kelland took home the Woolworths Innovation Project Award, the Woolworths Industry Knowledge Award, and the Horticentre Charitable Trust Sustainability Award. Her total prize package includes a professional development scholarship, a custom glass trophy, and cash totaling more than $25,000.

Kelland, who decided at age seven that she wanted to work in the wine industry, accepted the trophy in Auckland. "I’m so excited. Thank you to everyone involved," she said. She was joined by Kris Godsall, the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year, who represented the viticulture sector at the event.

Godsall is scheduled to represent viticulture in the 2027 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. Other alumni of the Young Viticulturist program attended the event to support Kelland and celebrate her achievement.