Just one week left to get earlybird tickets for the NZILA Firth Wānanga 2025 in Hastings 22-23 May. With 9 weeks to go, planning is ramping up and the team are getting excited! 

Here's a round up of information you need to know.

THEME

Horanuku Hora Kai | Edible Landscapes 

The intention of the theme is to discuss and contemplate the importance of food sovereignty and the problems, challenges, solutions, and opportunities for edible landscapes in everyday public spaces and in industrial food production.

Read the welcome call from Charles Ropitini, Pou Ahurea, Heretaunga Hastings District Council, and look forward to more storytelling from Charles throughout the event. 

VENUES

Main venue: Toitoi Arts and Events Centre, Hastings

This beautiful new development in the heart of Hastings city provides historical charm paired with the latest modern functionality. With the speaker sessions in the Opera House and the refreshment breaks (thanks to Urban Group) and exhibition in Functions on Hastings, this venue has everything we need. Thursday evening we move to the Assembly Ballroom for dinner thanks to Aco. 

Welcome: Waiaroha, Hastings

We’ll open the conference with an early pōwhiri at Waiaroha, Hastings’ unofficial urban marae and water treatment plant. Kaumatua supported by Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst will welcome all-comers to Heretaunga. Kapa haka will prepare our guests for two days of engaging discussions, followed by our first introduction to the wānanga subject – some great kai. 

Walking Tour: Hastings CBD

On Day 1 we're getting out and about around the Hastings' central business district which has undergone a revitalising and regenerating lift to its streetscape and open spaces. Accessible option available.

President's Function: Peak House, Havelock North

This exclusive event is to acknowledge and celebrate new fellows, new registered members and our dedicated volunteers. Thank you for your contributions and support to NZILA and the Landscape Architecture profession in Aotearoa and beyond. Personal invitations in your inbox now, please RSVP by 30 April. With thanks to MHL and Hydro for supporting this event. 

SPEAKERS

So who are you going to hear from? The programme is designed to be engaging and participatory with content focused on high level learning and actionable takeaways. 

International Speakers

• Tim Waterman - Professor of Landscape Theory and Inter-Programme Collaboration Director at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
• Nick Rose - Executive Director of Sustain, Melbourne
• Joshua Zeunert - Scientia Associate Professor at UNSW, Sydney, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

New Zealand speakers

• Sandra Hazlehurst - Mayor of Heretaunga Hastings
• Nigel Bickle, Ngāhiwi Tomoana, Graeme Hansen, and Charles Ropitini - Hastings District Council
• Shannon Davis - Lincoln University
• Morgan Maw - Boring Oat Milk
• Peter Wilson - SLR
• Renee Taylor - Salt Aotearoa
• Mel Robinson - DGSE
• Rachel Hill - WSP
• Sarah Flynn and Monica Bainbridge - Boffa Miskell
• Gary Marshall - Resilio Studio
• Daniel McEwan - Chair NZILA Hawkes Bay/Manawatu/Taranaki branch
• Judge Laurie Newhook

Read more on the speakers page. And get a taster of the content on Landscape Architecture Aotearoa.

Programme timings are available on the programme page, with full session details to be released soon. We have designed the programme to allow you time to get flights out to major centres on Friday evening if you wish - we definitely recommend staying until the end of the programme for Judge Laurie Newhook's wrap session (session named: After Supper Snacks) with all the facilitators coming back to the stage and other great surprises.

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

Hawke’s Bay is accessible by land or air, and definitely worth the trip.

Air New Zealand flies non-stop to Napier several times a day from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The airport code for Hawke’s Bay Airport, also known as Napier Airport, is NPE. Book flights on Air New Zealand.

While Hastings has relatively limited accommodation options, there’s plenty to consider in Napier and Havelock North. Check out Hawke's Bay Tourism's accommodation guide for whatever type of stay you seek. 

To make it super easy, we will be running a coach service from Napier (and Havelock North if the demand requires) to and from Toitoi each day for our event delegates. We'll provide more details on this and a booking form soon.

Why not make a trip of it and stay on for the weekend? Hawkes Bay has so much to offer in terms of stunning landscapes and tourism activities. It's more than just wineries, though those are a highlight too!

On Sunday, head out to the Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market in Hastings not only fitting to the theme, but a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Or come the weekend before and run the Hawke's Bay marathon.

Hungry for more? See the getting there page on the website.

PARTNERS

This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our partners. Huge thanks to everyone involved! Not on this list but want to be? 2025 sponsorship opportunities are available now and selling fast! Email events@nzila.co.nz to get involved.

NAMING RIGHTS PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

 EXHIBITORS

EVENT SUPPORTERS

PRESIDENT'S FUNCTION

TICKETS

Ready to book? Your ticket includes attendance to all conference sessions on Thursday and Friday, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Thursday and Friday, the guided walking tour on Thursday afternoon, the networking dinner on Thursday evening, and access to coach transport. 

Earlybird tickets are available until 5pm 27 March, with the member earlybird rate just $725 + GST. There are also non-member, AILA member, student tickets, and single day passes available. Check out the tickets page for more info. 

All earlybird tickets go in the draw to win a Napoleon Charcoal BBQ thanks to BelAire Designer Fencing. More surprises to come! 

Book now, we can't wait to see you! 

Get your tickets

CONTACT

Still got questions? Contact Trina, NZILA Events & Marketing Manager at events@nzila.co.nz