Celebrating 25 Years at Boffa Miskell: Rebecca Ryder

Acknowledging Rebecca's years of leadership and contribution to the practice, the profession, and the communities she works alongside.

Rebecca has held many roles within the organisation, beginning with the opening of the Tauranga office and progressing to her current position as a Partner and Director on the Board. Throughout that time, her leadership has been characterised by a steadfast focus on achieving strong outcomes for clients and communities, and for the wider environment.

Some of Rebecca’s longest‑running and most influential work includes her extensive involvement in regional and district landscape and natural character assessments. These projects have informed policy development, district plan reviews, and Environment Court processes; and continue to guide decision‑making across complex and sensitive landscapes.

She was part of the Boffa Miskell team recognised for the Waikato Regional Seascape Study, which received the RMLA Technical Documentation Award in 2023. The study was recognised for its significant contribution to advancing seascape assessment methodology in New Zealand and its role in supporting robust coastal and marine policy development.

Rebecca maintains a strong connection to design, open space, and reserve planning, contributing to reserve management plans, open space strategies, CPTED assessments, and public‑realm projects. Her long‑standing involvement with Kopurererua Reserve and Tauriko Business Estate, both on-going for over a decade, demonstrates her ability to support projects by providing continuity through multiple stages of growth.

Day-to-day as part of Boffa Miskell, Rebecca is respected as a leader who is both approachable and down‑to‑earth, with a consistently positive and inclusive working style that has played an important role in shaping the culture and capability of the team.

Rebecca has also had a significant impact beyond the business through her involvement in professional bodies and industry groups, contributing to governance, review panels, and sector discussions that help lift standards across the profession. Active in the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, on both the local and national level, Rebecca served on the Executive Committee for many years and was named a Fellow of the Institute in 2023.

That same year, she was awarded the Beca Women in Property Award at the Central Property People Awards. Judges commended her pivotal role in shaping Tauranga’s open spaces and urban revitalisation projects, as well as her leadership in fostering collaboration with mana whenua, communities, and key stakeholders. Property Council New Zealand recognised Rebecca as a 2026 Woman of Impact, highlighting her contribution to property outcomes that balance growth with environmental and cultural integrity.

Rebecca is widely recognised as a strong role model for women at Boffa Miskell and in the wider profession, navigating leadership and governance roles with care and generosity. She is committed to mentoring and supporting others and has guided many young landscape architects and landscape planners, helping them understand not only the technical aspects of their work, but the deeper purpose behind it and the essential role landscape architecture plays in protecting the environment and unique identity of Aotearoa New Zealand.