CAREER PROFILES

Devin Westley

08 Sep 2021

Name	Devin Westley
Title	Nursery Manager
Nursery	Southern Woods Nursery
Quote	“It is such a rewarding job working with plants. You get to see the results of your work as they grow, and it is satisfying knowing that my work has such a positive impact on the restoration and enhancement of native areas.”
Education	Diploma in Horticulture, Diploma in Horticultural Management Lincoln University. NZPPI young Achiever 2018.
Long-term Goal	Since I started in the role, I have been focused on the change to an automated production system. I want to see my project completed and the impacts this has on output, quality, and on the reduction in waste plastics. From this experience, I would like to see how this line of thinking can be applied further in our systems as we keep improving.
How did you learn about the industry?	Before Horticulture, I was partway through BSC in Biology and Ecology at UC. I was struggling to envision what sort of career path I would get out of this sort of study. I realized that out of all the things I had done I really loved working with plants, so I did a bit of research, decided to move to Lincoln Uni, got a job at Southern woods as part of the work experience of the course, and haven't looked back.

Amber Doggett

'From little seeds grow mighty trees'

Olly Dean

"We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change – and it has to start today." Greta Thunberg

Eilish Chilton

"I work in this industry due the variability, and with R&D I am able to have a hand in new initiatives to provide a better product and help improve sustainability and efficiency throughout the Nursery. ”

Will Kerner

“I was drawn to R&D and providing technical consultation for the nursery business because no two days are the same."

Ellen Ballantine

“I work in the industry for the satisfaction of working hard and the love of the outdoors. Plus, I enjoy the large variety of jobs I do year-round."

Rico Mannall

“Plant production is a growing industry in every sense of the word. For me, It’s exciting to work alongside all sorts of people on plant supply projects across the South Island. "

Rata Cutfield-Rolfs

"What I love about working in the horticultural industry is, the variety of work, something new every day! There’s so much to learn, and everyone is welcoming and so kind."

Nathan Hewson

"Plants and technology have always been a passion of mine, so working in the industry and bringing my customers value has allowed me to follow my passion."

Louisa Goodall

"After spending five years in the café industry, my passion for plants and wanting to extend my horticulture knowledge lead me into a career in the plant production industry"

Ingo Wendt

“I have a passion for all things nursery related with a particular interest in propagation of new and exciting species."

Jacinta Harrop

“Whether you have a passion for regenerative planting, plant tissue culture labs, houseplants, flowers or the home garden you can find something that suits you in the plant production industry."