NZILA is seeking expressions of interest from experienced members to join the judging panel for the Resene NZILA Awards 2026.

Judging is an important way to give back to the profession, recognise excellence across Aotearoa, and support a fair, credible awards programme.

Panel structure for 2026

To strengthen category expertise and reduce workload, the judging panel will be split into two streams:

• Design Stream - design and built outcome categories. This stream includes shortlisted project site visits (where feasible).
• Planning Stream - strategy, policy, assessment, spatial planning, and masterplanning categories. Planning categories are judged on submitted material only (no site visits).

The panel will be made up of:

• one Head Judge (overseeing both streams for consistency and final ratification)
• a Design Stream Lead
• a Planning Stream Lead
• additional judges across both streams

NZILA will look to appoint (a) guest judge/s to complement the panel with additional expertise and independent perspective.

Who we’re looking for

To be considered, you must:

• be a Registered, Fellow, or Life Member of NZILA
• have a minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in one or more relevant areas, including:
  • landscape design
  • landscape planning
  • landscape assessment / policy
  • research or teaching
• be able to commit time to independent entry review and panel deliberations

Time commitment and availability

Judges must be available to:

• participate in judging deliberations across the judging period (independent review and online meetings as required)
• attend 2-4 half-day online ratification meetings
  • 1-2 sessions for shortlisting (late May/June) and 
  • 1-2 sessions for final ratification/post site visits (late August)
  • dates and times will be confirmed once the panel is appointed
• Design Stream only: participate in shortlisted project site visits,
  • expected to take approximately 4–6 days 
  • timing is expected in late July / early August
  • exact dates confirmed once the shortlist is known
• attend the Awards function and Gala Dinner on 5 November in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Selection approach and conflicts of interest

The panel will be selected collectively to reflect:

• breadth and depth of professional expertise
• diversity across region, experience, and background
• the need to actively manage conflicts of interest in a small profession
• Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed appropriately throughout the process
  • Judges may be asked to step aside from discussion and decision-making for any entry where a conflict exists

Important notes

Please note:

• This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses covered by NZILA
• Judges will be selected based on experience, capacity, and relevant skills
• Judge names will be announced publicly once appointments are confirmed
• Judges will be profiled and acknowledged through NZILA communications

How to apply

If you are interested in being part of the 2026 Awards judging panel, please complete the Expression of Interest form by Friday 20 February 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact events@nzila.co.nz.