Kia ora

After promising signs of economic growth at the start of the year, things have stalled a bit and many of our members are still finding conditions tough. Whether in private practice, local government or academia, there is financial pressure, ongoing uncertainty and constant change. But hang in there….! 

This year several long-standing members have left the Institute and I’d like to thank the following people for their contribution over the years. Rory Langbridge, Julia Williams, Cheryl Robilliard, Charles Gordon, Ralf Kruger, Bron Faulkner, Kevin Dwyer are all retiring from the profession. Blair Brixton, Gabi Vagala and Carolina Daly have moved overseas.  

The leavers have been balanced out by new members. Since January we've welcomed 57 members to Tuia Pito Ora, including 49 people joining the Institute for the first time and eight former members returning to a professional community. To all of you, nau mai, haere mai.

In these times of change, it’s important that Tuia Pito Ora provides continuity and certainty. We want to balance safety with inspiration. Our Institute is held together by people, and in a recent article I reflected on what holds a profession together. If you haven't already read it, you can find it on the NZILA news page.  

One of the privileges of being President is seeing the many ways members contribute to the profession beyond their day-to-day work. Our rōpū is strengthened by people who mentor emerging practitioners, serve on branches and panels, advocate for better outcomes, build relationships with communities and tangata whenua, contribute research and innovation, and champion our profession in ways both visible and unseen.

This year’s President's Awards will recognise individuals and organisations whose time, dedication, passion, and vision have advanced the profession of landscape architecture in Aotearoa. Until now the President's Awards have been determined through an internal process, but from 2026 onwards all members will be invited to nominate individuals and organisations whose contributions to the Institute deserve recognition. Nominations are now open and close on 27 July 2026. 

President’s Awards will be presented alongside Fellowships and Life memberships at a function the evening before the 2026 Firth NZILA Wānanga in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

We're pleased to be bringing back the International Speaker Series this year, made possible through the support of Urban Group. The series will provide opportunities to hear from practitioners and thinkers from around the world, helping us connect with new ideas and perspectives while remaining grounded in the realities of practice in Aotearoa. Keep an eye out for upcoming sessions over the coming months.

The 2025 Annual Report is close to completion—thanks to Angela and the management team—and will be sent out to all members ahead of the AGM on July 14th. The meeting will include three remits proposing changes to the Constitution. These changes arise from recent governance reviews, consideration of board nomination processes, a review of branch role holder requirements, and succession planning as a number of long-serving members step back from formal governance roles. I encourage you all to take the time to read the Annual Report, consider the proposed remits, and dial into the AGM.  If you are unable to attend, you can vote on the remits by proxy. Details and registration here.

The Environmental Legislation Working Group continue to advocate for the purpose and values of Tuia Pito Ora. The latest piece of legislation to respond to is the Conservation Amendment Bill and Draft National Conservation Policy Statement. Timeframes are tight, and the working group continue to welcome input from members. 

Finally, I'd like to say a big thank you to James Pattullo for his contribution to the Board over his two-year term, welcome Suzanne Lange as our newest Director and  congratulate Simon Button and Nada Toueir on their reappointments to the Board. 

Ngā mihi nui

Ralph Johns
President