The Board of Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, with the support of our Climate Action Working Group, is pleased to the announce the launch of our Climate Action Discussion Series.

Professor Bronwyn Hayward is our first presenter and she will be joined by Tuia Pito Ora chairperson, Debbie Tikao, who will be hosting this in person discussion on 4th April in Ōtautahi Christchurch at Beca's office.

To support knowledge growth for members, these climate action discussions, supported by Firth, will continue over the next months. NZILA has chosen to focus on climate change as a key focus area for our members following  the release of the 2023 Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) synthesis report and overall ‘scene-setting’ on climate change in Aotearoa.

Professor Hayward is a professor of political science at the University of Canterbury, and Associate Dean of Research (Arts). She was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit (for services to sustainability, youth and climate change) in 2022; and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Royal Society. Her research focuses on understanding and supporting the needs of young citizens as they confront difficult social, economic, and environmental challenges, associated with sustainability and climate change.

As a political scientist, she is interested in nurturing a democratic imagination in a changing world. She was a lead author for the IPCC 1.5 Special Report, and a Co-ordinating Lead author for chapter 6 Cities and infrastructure in Working Group II (adaptation), for the 6th Assessment Report published in2022, and a member of the core writing team for the 2023 Synthesis report.

Tuia Pito Ora Chairperson Debbie Tikao is the director of Tipu Design and  manager of the Taiao Portfolio for Ōnuku Rūnanga. She is a panelist on the Christchurch City Council Urban Design Panel and was the General Manager of Matapopore for 7.5 years.

During this time, Debbie worked closely with local and central government to ensure post-earthquake Christchurch was embedding the values and stories of mana whenua, emerging as a 21st-century city rich with meaning and character, that expressed dual histories, and treaty partnership.

Currently, she is leading the development process of an integrated mahinga kai, climate change adaptation, and mitigation plan for Akaroa Harbour and has recently completed her masters in Urban Design.

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and insights from Bronwyn’s extensive experience, and we encourage all Canterbury based (and visiting) NZILA members to attend. This is also an invaluable opportunity for Lincoln University student members to join an in-person discussion with practicing landscape architects and academics.

A special thank-you to the NZILA Canterbury Branch Executive and to Beca for hosting this event.

Register for the discussion HERE.

A video recording of the discussion will be available for NZILA members after the event.