Earlier this month I attended the Ngā Aho Māori Design Professionals Wānanga-ā-Tau at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere. Tuia Pito Ora has been a strategic partner of Ngā Aho for ten years now, with Te Tau-a-Nuku, our rōpū of Māori Landscape Architects, ensuring strong engagement and influence. At the hui with strategic partners the kaupapa centred on connection, aligned strategy and our collective responsibility for the future of design in Aotearoa.

As the year closes, it has been wonderful to welcome seventeen new Registered members to the profession. Congratulations to Yuanjie (Jane), Vanessa, Thomas, Oliver, Nicole, Mathilde, Mark, Jennifer, James, Ivy, Elizabeth, Dylan, Clara, Claire, Carolina, Andrea and Alan. Each of you has taken a different path to registration, and we acknowledge the commitment it takes. Thank you to Dan Males, Chair of the Registration Panel, Abigail, and all mentors and interview panellists for the care you bring to this process.

There is no hiding the fact that 2025 has been a challenging year for our industry. A slowdown in new project opportunities, organisational change across both public and private sectors, the recession, local elections and ongoing RMA reform have all contributed to a difficult operating environment. It has been a hungry, competitive market with tight margins, and many practices have felt the strain. Even so, I have been encouraged by the resilience, generosity and collaboration shown across our profession.

Over summer, the draft Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill have been released for consultation. Tuia Pito Ora’s Environmental Legislation Working Group has responded quickly to this significant reform effort and is leading a National Hui for all members in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 20 January. This day of learning and discussion will help shape NZILA’s submission on the RMA reforms and set a shared foundation for our response.

This is also a good time to reflect on our gifted name of Tuia Pito Ora, the literal meaning of which is the umbilical cord that honours the past, redefines the present and protects the future. Many of our members remember the introduction of the RMA in the early 1990s. After three decades, we all recognise that change is needed. Now is our moment to influence what that change looks like, and to help set the foundations for the next generation of practice. Our work continues to strengthen relationships between people, land and the environment, honour heritage and culture, and support wellbeing and sustainability. Next year will bring more challenge, but with resolve, tenacity and optimism we will make a meaningful contribution.

I want to acknowledge every one of our members, partners and sponsors who has stayed committed to our shared kaupapa through what has been a demanding year. Your support, participation and leadership across projects, committees, branch events and wider advocacy has kept our profession connected and moving forward. Ngā mihi nui for all you have contributed.

Looking ahead, we will soon call for entries to the Resene Landscape Architecture Awards, select a judging panel and prepare to celebrate outstanding work at our wānanga in Ōtautahi in November. The wānanga will foreground indigenous voices from within and beyond our profession, share climate adaptation stories from across Aotearoa and bring students into the kōrero. We will also acknowledge the contribution of our members through the President’s Awards.

So, we’ve nearly survived ’25! A quick reminder that Registered members need to submit their CPD points by the end of December. Membership renewals will open in January, and we encourage you to keep an eye out for that email once the office reopens. Your continued involvement strengthens Tuia Pito Ora and the voice of our profession across Aotearoa. The office will be closed from Friday 19 December until Monday 12 January so that Angela and her team can take a well-earned break.

Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

Ngā mihi,

Ralph