Friday, 19 February 2016 10:55

Horticultural role model

Written by Rural News Group

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The Primary ITO has appointed Karl Noldan as its new ambassador for 2016.

The curator of the main gardens at Wellington’s Botanic Garden has been chosen to help inspire other New Zealanders to follow a horticultural career.

The Primary ITO has appointed Karl Noldan as its new ambassador for 2016 – to showcase the career pathways available within the burgeoning horticultural industry. “It’s really coming back in vogue,” Noldan says.

“It has become quite a trend, especially for people later in their careers, to step away from high-stress jobs and want to work with plants instead.”

Noldan himself has made several career U-turns. After many years of tertiary study, a year off doing labouring jobs then led to “an epiphany” that he wanted to work in the fresh air.

“My favourite subjects at school were graphic design and horticulture, but my family and teachers didn’t see a future for me in this area,” he explains.

“I never knew the horticultural industry could take me where it has and I am keen to ensure that horticulture is regarded as a desirable industry. It is a career path that is extremely diverse and rewarding, filled with passionate people.”

He placed third in the 2015 Young Horticulturalist of the Year Award and won the Primary ITO Career Development Award, earning a $3000 scholarship to assist with further study or attend a conference.

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