About registration

What is NZILA Registration?

Recognition that you have the professional competence and practical experience expected of a practising landscape architect in Aotearoa. Once registered, you maintain your status through continuing professional development (CPD).

Who are NZILA?

Tuia Pito Ora NZILA is Aotearoa New Zealand’s professional body for landscape architects. NZILA has several membership classes: including Student, Graduate, Affiliate and Registered. A Fellow is a registered member who has been honoured by NZILA.

What title can I use when I’m registered?

You may use NZILA Registered Landscape Architect. The term “Registered Landscape Architect” is reserved for those recognised through NZILA. Until accepted, graduates cannot use this title.

Why become registered?

Registration aligns our profession with other certified professions, helps clients and agencies identify qualified practitioners, and signals your commitment to ongoing CPD and professional standards.

Eligibility and pathways

Who can apply for registration? 

Choose one of four pathways:

• Graduate mentoring—Graduate members with an accredited landscape architecture degree, building professional competence through mentoring and assessment.

• Affiliate mentoring—Affiliate members with a related qualification, plus substantial practice experience.

• Reciprocity—Full professional members of an IFLA-recognised overseas association or institute, with Aotearoa New Zealand practice.

• Established membership (G10+)—NZILA members with extensive practice experience who have not previously entered the registration process.

Do I need to be a current NZILA member to apply? 

Yes. All applicants must be current financial members of NZILA.

What are the high-level eligibility points for each pathway?

• Graduate mentoring: Accredited landscape architecture qualification, at least three years practice, preferably four, including one year in Aotearoa New Zealand, mentoring, portfolio and interview.

• Affiliate mentoring: Related qualification, at least 400 weeks practice, typically 10 years, including four years in Aotearoa New Zealand, mentoring, portfolio and interview.

• Reciprocity: Full professional membership of an IFLA-recognised overseas association, minimum 45 weeks Aotearoa New Zealand practice, accredited qualification, two NZILA registered sponsors, portfolio, CPD evidence and interview focused on Aotearoa New Zealand practice.

• G10+: NZILA G10+ member, 450 weeks practice including 90 weeks in Aotearoa New Zealand, two registered sponsors, portfolio, CPD evidence, interview. 

Can I apply from overseas?

Normally no. Applicants are expected to be living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mentoring

When should I start the registration process? 

Graduates usually build at least three years practice experience, preferably four, before enrolling in mentoring. Keeping a work log from day one is strongly encouraged.

When should I enrol in the mentoring programme? 

Most candidates complete 60 to 90 weeks of mentoring before the November interview. Enrol when you and your mentor agree you can be interview-ready within that timeframe.

How do I find a mentor?

It is your responsibility to approach a Registered NZILA Landscape Architect with at least two years as registered, ideally in your workplace. If that is not possible, ask your local NZILA branch for suggestions or consider sharing a mentor with peers.

How often do I meet my mentor? 

Agree a cadence that suits you both. As a baseline, meet at least every two months. Use meetings to review evidence, plan CPD and check readiness.

What is required to enrol in mentoring?

Show your practical work record and examples to your chosen mentor so they can confirm your readiness. Enrol via your dashboard. You will receive an invoice for $100 + GST.

What documents will I compile during mentoring?

• Assessment workbook including CV, activity record and mentor assessments
• Portfolio of relevant project examples
• CPD record noting learning and development

What are group mentors and workshops?

Branches aim to run two workshops a year for cohort learning. Candidates should attend at least two workshops during Stage 1. Group mentors provide guidance in a group setting and may act as a seconder where appropriate.

Can a mentor also act as a sponsor?

Sometimes yes, where appropriate and allowed by the pathway. Check the pathway page and seek guidance if unsure.

What if my mentor changes?

Update NZILA promptly. Keep your evidence continuous, and ensure your new mentor understands your progress to date.

Interview

What is the interview format?

A semi-formal, approximately one-hour conversation with at least three senior practitioners from the registration panel, one acting as Chair. You may reference your portfolio and workbook during the interview.

What does the panel assess?

Professional practice competencies, ethics and the Code of Conduct, understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal and social context, including planning frameworks, construction contracts and related matters, and your commitment to CPD. Reciprocity interviews focus strongly on Aotearoa New Zealand practice.

When are interviews held and what are the deadlines?

Interviews are in November. To be scheduled, submit your application and workbook by 30 September, ensure all invoices are paid, then attend in person.

What happens after the interview?

You will be advised of the outcome and any next steps. If further development is required, NZILA will outline what to do before reapplying.

Conduct, confidentiality and conflicts

What standards apply during registration?

Everyone involved follows the NZILA Code of Conduct, which includes strict confidentiality. No separate confidentiality form is required.

Who is covered by confidentiality requirements?

Registration panel members and observers, mentors, group mentors, sponsors and proposers, branch representatives, NZILA staff and contractors, and any external experts.

What does confidentiality mean in practice?

Protect all candidate, project, client and employer information, use it only for registration purposes, store it securely, limit printing and copying, and delete or destroy material after use.

How are conflicts of interest handled?

Declare perceived or actual conflicts early, for example close supervisory or commercial relationships. NZILA will manage recusal or reassignment as needed.

Timing, deadlines and fees

Key dates

• 1 August—applications for mentoring close for the following year
• 30 September—application and workbook deadline for the November interview
• Branch workshops run during the year, all candidates will be kept informed

Fees

• Mentoring enrolment: $100 + GST.
• Interview application: $499 + GST.
• Invoices must be paid for interview confirmation.

Working in or outside Aotearoa New Zealand

Can Aotearoa New Zealand qualified landscape architects working overseas apply?

Normally applications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand are not accepted. Applicants are expected to be living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are overseas, consider engaging with the local institute where you reside, then plan for NZILA Registration when you return.

Becoming a mentor or sponsor

How do I become a mentor?

You must be a Registered NZILA Landscape Architect for at least two years, with time and willingness to guide a candidate. Read the mentor guidance, agree meeting cadence, and support evidence sign-off.

What does a sponsor do?

Sponsors are registered NZILA members who know the applicant’s work and attest to professional ability, character, methods of practice and Aotearoa New Zealand context. Some pathways require two sponsors, and G10+ includes a sponsor citation.

Still not sure?

Email admin@nzila.co.nz. We will point you in the right direction.