Mr Jake Linklater, the 2025 IPPS New Zealand Exchange Student, agreed to present a lecture on the Horticultural Industry in New Zealand. He is currently working at Nova Trust, where he manages a small commercial native plant nursery. They also grow produce such as cucumbers and chillies in heated tunnel greenhouses. Jake has been working in horticulture for 9 years and has a broad interest in all things horticulture, which attracted him to IPPS. He also has a vivid interest in native plant production. Jake is also a strong proponent of amenity green spaces, as they are good for communities and people’s connection with plants and the outdoors.
In June, Jake won the NZ Young Plant Producer of the Year competition, and now on the 5th and 6th of November, he is competing in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition, representing the nursery industry. This has further fuelled his drive to grow as a leader in the industry.