A week ago the Aotearoa New Zealand landscape architecture profession came together and celebrated with the first Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards since 2019.

The Gala Dinner at the Cordis Hotel in Tāmaki Makaurau capped off three days of celebrations along with challenging and inspiring presentations as Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects commemorated its 50th anniversary.

As newly named Fellow member Catherine Hamilton wrote after the event: “The highlight had to have been the awards evening. What a sea change for our profession to have so many projects delivered through an authentic co-design process with Māori. To see the various Iwi /Hapu up on stage and to hear Te Reo spoken consistently was fantastic.”

Chair of the Judges panel Jacky Bowring agreed and said on the night that a cultural shift, a “sea change” was palpable throughout the whole awards process as genuine partnership with mana whenua was celebrated.

The video below is a taste of the special night and the people and profession it celebrated.

All Conference and Awards night photos can be viewed and downloaded here