We are pleased to confirm the outcome of the 2026 Board nomination process.

Following the close of nominations, three candidates were received for the three available Board positions. As the number of nominations received matched the number of vacancies, no election or member voting process is required this year.

We are pleased to welcome Suzanne Lange to the Board, alongside the reappointment of Simon Button and Nada Toueir for further terms.

Under the updated Constitution adopted in 2025, Board members are now appointed to three-year terms.

Board appointments formally take effect following the Institute’s AGM, where the annual Board transition occurs. The position of Deputy Chair will be determined by the Board at its first meeting following the AGM.

President Ralph Johns remains in office for a further year, alongside continuing Board members Peter Whiting and Rangitahi Kawe, whose current terms continue through to the 2027 AGM.

Welcoming Suzanne to the Board

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Suzanne joins the Board with more than 20 years’ experience across the public and private sectors in Aotearoa and overseas, with work spanning public realm, infrastructure, and community-focused projects.

Having lived and worked in the United Kingdom and Australia before returning home to Auckland, Suzanne brings a strong interest in collaboration, resilient design outcomes, and advocacy for the profession.

📷 Getting to know Suzanne: a collection of her mahi.

Reappointed Board members

Simon Button, current Deputy Chair of the Board, has been reappointed for another term.

“Serving on the Board has provided me with valuable governance experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession, both now and into the future.

It has also been personally rewarding to collaborate with a passionate and committed group, while contributing to initiatives that strengthen the profession nationally.

I am excited to stand again, to continue advocating for landscape architecture, and to build on the momentum established over the past two years.”

Nada Toueir has also been reappointed for another term, following two years of service on the Board, including leadership of the Institute’s People and Capability Committee.

“I completed a two-year term on the board, and I am privileged to continue for another term.

I have worked alongside a committed and collaborative team to support the team and to strengthen the Institute’s internal capacity. We are extremely lucky to have a strong team cohesion, and I look forward to continuing the meaningful progress across a number of areas.

I am also the voice for academic programmes; I help bridge relationships between education providers and professional practice.”

Ngā mihi

The Institute also acknowledges and thanks outgoing Board member James Pattullo for his contribution and service to Tuia Pito Ora during his term on the Board, which concludes at the AGM.

Ngā mihi to everyone who took part in this year’s nomination process, and to all those continuing to contribute to the governance and future direction of Tuia Pito Ora.