Green-fingered apprentice wins big

23 June 2025

Primary ITO-qualified amenity horticulture apprentice River Foster gets to “explore the whole city through its gardens” in his role with the Wellington City Council parks team.

In May, River was crowned the Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year in Auckland, after competing against other young finalists from across the country in a series of modules to test their knowledge and skills. The competition is run by Recreation Aotearoa in partnership with Botanic Gardens New Zealand, showcasing the country’s emerging leaders in amenity horticulture.

“Hearing my name called out was very surreal,” says River. “Gardeners are very humble and none of us were expecting to win,” he laughs. “Lots of people came to shake my hand and congratulate me.”

River won a selection of gardening tools and will now represent the amenity sector at the Young Horticulturist of the Year grand final later this year.

“I’m excited to see what happens from here. I entered the competition because I was looking for something different to do, a new experience. I’ve got a lot more out of it than I expected, and really enjoyed the whole experience,” he says.

River was initially looking for work in Christchurch after returning from overseas travel when he was offered a horticulture cadetship through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). He enjoyed the outdoors lifestyle.

“I saw the apprentices working in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and thought ‘I want that job’.”

After moving to Wellington a couple of years later, River saw the Wellington City Council advertise their horticulture apprenticeship. He was offered a place on the three-year programme, which includes the opportunity to become formally qualified with the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Horticulture Services (Amenity), through Primary ITO. He completed the qualification in March.

Photo of River supplied by Wellington City Council

“I’ve come to appreciate just how much learning and training has been thrust on me. I have upskilled a ridiculous amount, it’s really satisfying. I’m now looking elsewhere to learn and grow my knowledge.”

River loves the variety of his role.

“I was working at Truby King Park this morning,” River says, “with beautiful views of Kilbirnie. At lunchtime I went to a botany lecture, and this afternoon I’m hanging out in Begonia House at the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

“It’s like exploring the whole city through its gardens. Every new garden you go to, you find new appreciation.”

Wellington City Council (WCC) looks after the many public recreation areas across the city including parks, botanic gardens, cemeteries, sports grounds, and green spaces from Tawa in the north, to the sand dunes of the wild south coast.

More than 200 horticulture apprentices have completed Primary ITO training programmes while working for the city council parks, sport and recreation team over the past 30 plus years. Currently there are around 30 apprentices and permanent staff progressing through their qualifications.

River working at one of the many public recreation areas which WCC look after. Photo supplied by Wellington City Council

The council’s amenity horticulture apprentices rotate around different spaces including the Botanic Garden, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, City Horticulture Team, and in-house nurseries, to grow their knowledge and gain practical experience across different areas.

WCC Apprentice Coordinator Elspeth McMillan oversees the recruitment and development of horticulture apprentices in the Parks, Sport & Recreation business unit – including signing them into training, providing learning opportunities, and ensuring pastoral care and support needs are met.

“It was fantastic to see River win the Young Amenity competition. We hadn’t had anyone enter for a while, so it was great to have River represent Wellington City Council and win.”

River has also been supported by Primary ITO Training Advisers during his training, initially by Anne-Maree Michael and then Dale Giles.

“It’s been a privilege to support River through the final stages of his Level 4 Amenity Horticulture apprenticeship,” Dale says. “He’s shown real dedication, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the industry.

“Winning Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year is such a well-earned achievement. River’s just getting started — he’s already looking ahead to how he can keep growing and developing his career in horticulture. Big congrats, River!”

Photo of River supplied by Wellington City Council

Elspeth says now that River has completed his formal apprenticeship qualification, he will spend the final year of his training at the council growing his knowledge and embedding his practical skills.

“River always seeks new opportunities to extend himself. We had a conversation with the horticulture team recently about giving him leadership opportunities when possible. If a run leader is away, he can step up … those small steps into leadership.”

Primary ITO is pleased to include the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Horticulture Services (Amenity), undertaken by River, in our 2025 promotion offering 50% off training fees.

Sign up a member of your team between now and the end of 2025 to take advantage of this opportunity and save up to 50% on training costs.

To learn more about the programme and this limited-time promotion, click here.

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