From a backyard garden to feeding a population

What started as a simple backyard project sparked a new career direction.

“I found a real love and passion for horticulture through gardening. Starting a vege garden during my gap year gave me a sense of purpose and peace, and I realised I wanted to learn more.”

Already living in Palmerston North, the decision to study at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University felt natural. His flatmate was completing an agriscience degree and often came home talking about what he was learning.

“Hearing about the cool things he was studying made me enrol. I chose to study in person and loved getting hands-on time at Massey’s plant growth unit. I also loved walking through the beautiful gardens and forest on campus. It became my favourite place to study and clear my thoughts before walking into the exam room.”

One of Quintin’s highlights from his time completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Horticulture at Massey was the strong relationships he built with his lecturers.

“I still keep in touch today, and some of my lecturers acted as referees for me as I began my career. I’ve even reached out to them for help when tackling difficult problems.”

While he initially focused purely on learning about plants, he quickly realised the broader subjects in the degree were just as valuable.

“I’ll be honest – at the time, statistics, molecules, ecology and decision tools in primary industries felt like a means to an end. I complained that they were irrelevant. I was wrong – those topics have carried me throughout my career,” he says.

When Quintin published research in the Agronomy Journal, his statistics knowledge proved essential. The Excel skills he developed have become a daily tool in his work, from research roles to orchard management and now as a technical horticultural representative.

Although he hasn’t pursued further study yet, he remains eager to deepen his expertise.

“If I had the opportunity, I’d love to complete a master’s in soil science or entomology. In my experience, these are two of the most critical areas to understand.”

Since graduating, Quintin’s career has taken him in many directions. He has published research on industrial hemp, travelled to China, Vietnam and Cambodia in a hemp advisory role with iwi, and managed kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty, overseeing more than 100 staff at a time. He has found mentors, mentored others and worked directly with growers to solve complex challenges on farm.

“These days I help growers troubleshoot issues, using my knowledge and experience to provide expert advice and practical solutions. My schedule is flexible, my time is valued and I’m constantly learning.”

Quintin’s message to students considering horticulture is simple: if you have a passion or interest in this subject, do it.

Most importantly, Quintin says he sees horticulture as something bigger than a job.

“I’m involved in what I consider to be one of the most important professions on Earth – helping produce food for a growing population.”

Since completing his degree, Quintin has returned to Massey to speak with new students, sharing the many opportunities that opened up for him in his horticulture career.

Discover the power of plants and help shape sustainable food systems, healthy environments and the industries of tomorrow.