Meet Clem
After graduating with a degree in Environmental Management and Ecology at the University of Otago, Joel Clement (otherwise known as Clem) moved up to Wellington last year and has since then made roots in the city through their Amenity Horticulture Apprenticeship at the Council.
Their role, which they have been in for a year, involves growing, planting, and caring for a wide range of plants in many different gardens across Wellington.
The Horticulture teams switch locations every four months, which means Clem’s office can be places such as the Wellington Botanic Garden, Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Berhampore Nursery, and the many green spaces throughout the city from Lambton Quay to Red Rocks.
After getting their degree, Clem felt the apprenticeship was a great opportunity to continue learning while getting hands on experience.
“It seemed like a fun opportunity to work outdoors, do some good throughout the city, and hang out with plants all day.”
Currently, Clem is situated at the Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā and their days range from feeding ducks in the duck pond, traversing the gardens' hills to pull some weeds, pruning trees, driving around in the Kubota, and planting flowers in the display gardens.
Clem says that their favourite part of the role is getting to learn from and work with the many passionate gardeners across the Council.