Rewarding work
Award-winning landscaper Connor Sullivan of Canterra on competition, kudos and the winning formula for outdoor design.
It would never have crossed Connor Sullivan’s mind to enter the 2026 Registered Master Landscapers Young Landscaper of the Year Awards. Instead, it was suggested to him by business partner Brogan Watt.
The pair founded landscaping company Canterra in Christchurch in mid-2025, offering full-service design, construction and maintenance solutions. And Brogan clearly has good instincts: Connor took out the top spot, as well as Outstanding Achievement in Softscape Practice.
“He pushed me into it, and in hindsight I’m definitely glad he did,” says Connor.
As one of 10 finalists in the competition, Connor faced written challenges and an interview session about his career and aspirations, as well as a full-day event testing practical skills, in front of a crowd, including operating a digger and plant identification. “It was daunting,” he says. “I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been. But once I got into it and started chatting with everyone, it was enjoyable. I also valued the opportunity to soak up a lot of knowledge from the judges, who are specialists in their industries.”
While a win like this strengthens Connor’s confidence in his capabilities and recognises his hard work and training in landscape architecture, he says it’s also a big boost for Canterra, helping increase its profile and credibility.
He’s looking forward to some more high- end residential work: his passion is creating unique spaces that stand the test of time. “Softscaping is the difference between a landscape that looks good now and a landscape that’s going to look even better in 20 years.”
A case in point is one of Canterra’s recent projects, a substantial outdoor transformation in Rangiora. With an open brief for a full-scope refurb, the project took three months and saw a blank section with gravel and grass become a beautiful entertaining space boasting amenities such as an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, sauna, louvred pergolas and a garden upgrade.
Connor is so proud of the quality of the work put into the project by the whole team. “My favourite part of the job was seeing it through from start to finish and knowing that every detail has been well-made, producing a finished product that the owner loves and that they’re really going to enjoy.”
