Recognition at the NZILA Conference

24 May 2021

Boffa Miskell consultants were recognised for their contribution to the profession, and for innovative thinking, at the 2021 NZILA Conference in Tauranga.

The first-ever President’s Awards were presented at the opening cocktail evening, which preceded the 2021 NZILA Firth Conference.

Incoming NZILA President, Henry Crothers, said these new awards offer an opportunity for the Institute to celebrate some of the heroes and unsung heroes of the profession.

  • Rachel de Lambert was awarded the President’s Award for Contribution to the Profession of Landscape Architecture – Landscape Assessment Guidelines. Co-authors Gavin Lister (Isthmus) and Alan Titchener (Te Tau-a-Nuku) were also awarded.
  • The Landscape Foundation, of which Sarah Collins is a trustee, was awarded the President’s Award for the Publication of Kia Whakanuia te Whenua.
  • William Hatton was awarded the President’s Award for recognition as an Emerging Leader in Landscape Architecture.

In his speech, Henry Crothers noted, “Since graduating from VUW in 2018 William has made a significant contribution to NZILA and Te Ao Maori design practice through his involvement with Te Tau-a-Nuku, Nga Aho, NZILA Auckland Branch and publications for Waka Kotahi and the Landscape Foundation. He’s been recognised as an emerging leader within the profession.”

The four graduate landscape architects who successfully completed their registration interviews in 2020 were recognised and received their certificates: Aynsley Cisaria, Erin Diao and Katherine Eastman.

An integral part of the Ōtāhuhu Town Centre Streetscape Upgrade, a innovative design for a Bio-filtration Garden Forebay Catchpit was recognised with an Urban Landscape Award. Yoko Tanaka, Alex Smith and Mark Lewis were involved in the design.

Boffa Miskell consultants presented on both days of the conference.

William Hatton presented “Korero as Community Building”: a rangatahi and indigenous perspective of what landscape architecture means within Aotearoa; sharing the importance of ‘intergenerational kōrero’; showcasing the importance of tuākana/teina relationships and how we facilitate kōrero for placemaking and design opportunities through reciprocal and Māori-based processes.

Mark Lewis was one of the presenters and panelists in the “Commons and Catchments” session; with the multi-award-winning Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek) used as an illustrative exemplar of urban stream regeneration providing ecological, social and community benefits.

Boffa Miskell was involved behind-the-scenes as well, as both Rangitahi Kawe and Hanna O’Donoghue are members of the NZILA Creative Panel, which provides input into the calendar and content of Association events.

One of the conference field trips, a walk through Kopurererua Valley, was led by Tauranga-based landscape planner Rebecca Ryder and Peri Kohu, a Ngai Tamarāwaho kaumatua; and sponsored by Boffa Miskell.

The conference also acknowledged changes in the Association’s leadership and Executive Committee.

Julia Wick stepped down from the NZILA Executive Committee after six years of service; including time spent as Vice President, and overseeing the National Awards Programme.

Rebecca Ryder stepped into her dual role as Vice President and Treasurer; while Megan Harshey is now overseeing Membership matters for the Association.

William Hatton joins the Executive Committee as the representative from Te Tau-a-Nuku; and John Potter took a new role as the NZILA Registration Panel Chair.