In response to the Coalition Government’s proposed changes to the RMA National Direction and the Going for Housing Growth topic, the Environmental Legislation Committee (ELC) recently prepared submissions. Looking ahead to future submissions on the replacement of the RMA, the ELC is now seeking examples of successful spatial planning projects led by, or involving, landscape architects.

At the same time, NZILA is also launching an initiative to strengthen advocacy for our profession in another critical area - tourism. We want to demonstrate the value of landscape architects in shaping Aotearoa’s visitor experiences, from cultural landscapes and trails to eco-tourism hubs and urban destinations.

Together, these two streams will form the first collections of a wider NZILA Evidence Base - a shared library of case studies to underpin advocacy, engagement with government, and promotion of the profession.

Stream One: Spatial Planning

We are particularly interested in projects where landscape architects have contributed significantly to the preparation of spatial planning documents. These could be at regional, rohe or district levels, or at more localised community, settlement or catchment scales.

When sharing examples, please include as much detail as possible, such as:

• When the work was undertaken and the overall timeframes
• Who the work was developed with and for
• Whether the spatial plan was formally adopted
• Key learnings from the process
• An executive summary and any final documentation (public domain)
• Visual material or mapping that captures spatial relationships

Older project examples are welcome — landscape architects have been spatial planning for more than 50 years.

Stream Two: Tourism

We are also seeking case studies of tourism-related projects where landscape architects have played a critical role. These might include visitor centres, trails, cultural landscapes, heritage sites, eco-tourism hubs, or urban spaces that attract visitors.

These examples will help us:

• Build a compelling case for the connection between landscape architecture and tourism
• Showcase the industry’s impact in presentations to partners, stakeholders, and government
• Lay the groundwork for stronger support and recognition of our profession

Please include:

• Project name and location
• A short description (150–200 words) of its tourism relevance
• Images (with permissions and credits)
• Contact details for follow-up

Submission and deadline (either collection)

Please email your case study to admin@nzila.co.nz by 5.00pm, Friday 3 October. Please use subject line: Case Study Submission - [Spatial Planning or Tourism] – Project name

How your case studies will be used

• To support NZILA submissions and policy engagement
• In advocacy decks and briefings to partners and agencies
• On our website, social channels, and member communications, with full credit
• To grow an evidence base that celebrates member mahi and lifts our collective voice

Ngā mihi nui,

Peter Kensington on behalf of the Environmental Legislation Committee

Angela Hunter on behalf of NZILA’s advocacy programme