CAREER PROFILES

Jessica Jack

08 Oct 2024

Name	Jessica Jack
Title	Nursery Production Worker
Nursery	Kerikeri Plant Production
Quote	"I love the satisfaction of propagating and producing plants, knowing they are helping the climate and making a positive difference."
Education	NZQA Level 1, 2, and 3 Certificates Level 3 Certificate in Equine Stable Procedures (Sport Horse Assistant) General Farming Skills Level 3
Long-term Goal	To set up my own business, propagating native plants and contributing to New Zealand's biodiversity. I also aim to further my knowledge by pursuing courses in business management to support my entrepreneurial goals.
How I got into the industry?	I grew up on a 7-acre orchard, where I helped with fruit and vegetable production, sparking my interest in plants. My passion grew through my work at Kerikeri Plant Production, where I focus on seed propagation and plant care.
Notable Achievements	Finalist, Young Plant Producer of the Year 2024 Played a key role in managing seed propagation and nursery operations at Kerikeri Plant Production. Hands-on experience in automated seed propagation and pest/disease management.

Cameron Hay

"I am always striving to improve everything around me and to apply my knowledge in innovative ways to help the industry grow."

August von Reiche

"I thrive on the challenges of managing a high-level cannabis cultivation program and working towards sustainable production practices."

Jake Linklater

“I thrive on the challenges of plant cultivation and find fulfillment in contributing to sustainable ecosystems."

Johannes Andresen

“I believe that practical experience and learning from every role are key to leading and driving success.”

Anna England

"Every day in horticulture is an opportunity to learn something new and connect with incredible people and plants."

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."

Devin Westley

“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.”

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."