2 July 2025

Wellington based Fellow of Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA), Ralph Johns, has been announced as the new President/Chair of NZILA. He will serve a two-year term until June 2027.

Ralph grew up in Cardiff, Wales. With a degree in Building Engineering, he later studied Landscape Architecture at Sheffield University, graduating at aged 30 with a Masters thesis titled Skateboarding: The City as a Playground.

He moved to New Zealand in 2001 to help establish the Landscape Architecture Programme at Victoria University where he influenced the direction for a new design-focussed, urban-based degree programme.

From Wellington Regional Manager to Shareholder and Director then to CEO of Isthmus Group for nearly a decade, Ralph brought a design-led perspective to the business leadership role and championed the integration of design disciplines to create a multi-layered practice.

Ralph has taken on a variety of volunteer roles with Tuia Pito Ora over his years. He said “the Institute has been good for me, and now it's time to give something back. Tuia Pito Ora means striking a balance in a way that honours the past, redefines the present and protects the future. I want to help Tuia Pito Ora maintain momentum on current initiatives, focus on the strategy, strengthen partnerships and navigate these volatile and financially uncertain times.”
 

Peter Whiting and Rangitahi Kawe also join the Board, joining continuing members Simon Button (new Vice President/Vice Chair), James Pattullo and Nada Toueir.

MEDIA CONTACT 

For enquiries and interview opportunities please contact Stephen Olsen – laaotearoa@nzila.co.nz  021 2664427