National recognition at Tree Climbing Champs

19 year old Horticulture ākonga Cooper Waghorn represented Otago Polytechnic with pride over the weekend, in the New Arborist of the Year competition finals in Auckland.

It's aimed at promoting new arborists in the industry, providing an event that challenges them with individuals of similar experience. 

Held in Cornwall Park as part of the NZ Arboricultural Association's National Tree Climbing Championships, Cooper enjoyed meeting new people within the community, and impressed many with his skill level, knowledge, and attitude.

Cooper qualified for the finals while competing in a series of practical and theory tests at the South Island Tree Climbing Competition in Christchurch in early September. He's currently working towards his NZ Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4), and was the only student from our 2025 cohort to compete.

Senior lecturer Ben Fentiman says Cooper is excelling in his climbing and tree care techniques. And while he didn't end up placing in a tough national field, he relished the opportunity and is very keen to try again next year.

Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for Ben himself, who was recognised by the national body, receiving the New Zealand Arboriculture Association Services & Innovation to New Zealand Arboriculture Award for 2025.

The awards panel highlighted Ben's many years of training arborists at Otago Polytechnic, along with volunteering at tree climbing competitions, and serving on a series of NZ Arb committees.

Ben also created the business Branch Dwellers with his wife Katie, helping bringing guided recreational tree climbing to New Zealand. This has allowed them to facilitate “Kids Tree Climbing” opportunities at NZ Arb tree climbing competitions and the Rural Games over the last five years.

These free events give kids (and adults) the experience of tree canopies using ropes and harnesses, while promoting the value of trees, the arboriculture industry, arboriculture careers and the arboriculture programme at Otago Polytechnic.