Our 2026 Supreme Award winners

At the highest level of recognition, four projects received Supreme Awards, including joint recipients of Te Karanga o te Tui. Here are the winning projects and the judges’ citations.

TE KARANGA O TE TUI SUPREME AWARD | JOINT WINNERS

Peacocke Strategic Infrastructure Project

By Adrian Morton Landscape Architects in association with Tangata Whenua Working Group and Bloxam Burnett and Oliver (BBO). For client: Hamilton City Council

the judges recognise tangata whenua influence carried through the foundations of planning, design and delivery. Sustained mahitahi with the Southern Links Tangata Whenua Working Group shapes decisions, relationships and systems, as well as the visible cultural expression. This is mana whenua agency made tangible at an extraordinary scale. Its significance reaches beyond one project, establishing an enduring precedent for how our cities grow with whenua, tangata whenua and future generations.

Ko Te Pūkākī 2040 - Tirotiro Whānui Regeneration Plan

By Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and LandLAB

The judges recognise an inspiring expression of mana whenua leadership and kaitiakitanga in action. Ecological restoration, cultural revitalisation and community wellbeing are understood as strands of the same kaupapa. Guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the work connects mātauranga, whakapapa and community aspirations with a practical pathway for generations of renewal. Its Supreme significance lies in restoring mauri, strengthening identity and creating enduring outcomes for both people and place.

GEORGE MALCOLM SUPREME AWARD

Whangārei Civic Precinct

Littoralis Landscape Architecture
Client: Whangarei District Council

This year, the judges recognise outstanding landscape design sustained across a complex civic development. Finely resolved interfaces bring old and new buildings, streets, plaza and riverside landscape into a cohesive civic heart. Culture, art, movement, play and urban greening are seamlessly integrated. The achievement rises to Supreme level through its consistent design rigour, exceptional attention to detail and cultural integrity, creating enduring value for civic identity and public life.

CHARLIE CHALLENGER SUPREME AWARD

Westport Master Plan – “Cutting Our Own Track”

By Isthmus Group Limited
For client: Buller District Council. Developed with the Westport and wider Buller community. With collaborators: Joseph & Associates, Davis Ogilvie and LandRiverSea

This year, the judges recognise landscape planning that helps a community face the challenge of climate change. A clear spatial vision is grounded in meaningful participation, shared values and community agency. The work turns complex adaptation challenges into an understandable pathway towards hope, choice and action. Its Supreme significance lies in the leadership it offers for this community and as a model for other places navigating climate adaptation and managed retreat.

Three Enduring Landscapes recognised

In a special moment for the Awards, the judges recognised three Enduring Landscape winners: New Plymouth Foreshore, The Landing and Waitangi Park.

As the judges explained, this was not a division of the award, but a reflection of the breadth and maturity of landscape architecture in Aotearoa. Each landscape has stood the test of time, with its original vision remaining strong through decades of change, care and stewardship. Together, they demonstrate the lasting value of thoughtful planning, design and collaboration.