Apprentice's journey from fashion to foliage

Christchurch Botanic Gardens apprentice Alannah Kwant had an eight-year career in fashion and retail before following her heart into the world of gardening.

Through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), she completed a four-month cadetship with Christchurch City Council’s Parks unit and has now embarked on a three-year apprenticeship.

It’s a long way from the world of high-end fashion.

North Canterbury-born, Alannah studied at Otago Polytechnic before landing a job managing NOM*d’s flagship store, Plume.

She loved it, and still does some modelling and creative direction, but “to keep climbing in that world would’ve meant a move overseas,” says the 28-year-old.

“There were things that I couldn’t get from that industry; you are catering to a small group of people, and I just thought - rather than leaving the place where I’ve grown up, how can I do the opposite and stay here, give back more and feel more involved in the place where I live?

“My dad used to work for DOC and he’s currently Parks and Reserves Manager at Waimakariri District Council, so I understood a bit about this kind of work and always saw how fulfilled he was in his job.”

Alannah was working part time and on the job seeker benefit when MSD offered a four-month cadetship with the Council’s Parks team.

Botanic Gardens apprentice Alannah Kwant, pictured at Mona Vale, loves the variety of her work.

She jumped at the opportunity to try her hand in different parts of the Parks service.

“I was lucky to do the programme because it gave me a trial run in a range of areas, and the chance to get to know the people who work there. This gave me the confidence to apply for the three-year apprenticeship, which I started in July this year.” 

Her position is funded by the Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a voluntary organisation which hosts activities and events connecting the wider community to the Gardens, raising money to support projects and initiatives.

“I’m grateful every day for their support,” Alannah says. 

“What I like about this work is knowing what you need to do, there’s a task at hand but you also get a really satisfying before-and-after. I’ve never had a job where your day is full, it’s busy, the time goes fast and at the end of the day you’re physically tired but mentally you’ve still got energy left to do things outside of work."

The apprenticeship is three years long and along with the practical work and hands-on learning there's also a study component for a qualification in horticulture.

 "I’m learning a whole new set of skills and plant knowledge and I’m excited to see the progression. I feel it will allow me to eventually branch out into a whole variety of roles.”