On Wednesday 4 November, around 70 members, colleagues and friends gathered at Chateau on the Park in Ōtautahi Christchurch for Pō Whakamānawa, a special evening celebrating the people who give so much to Tuia Pito Ora and the landscape architecture profession in Aotearoa.

It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, reconnect and recognise the dedication, leadership and generosity of those who have helped shape our Institute and our profession.

Tūranga Pūmau | Life Membership

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of five new Life Members, one of the highest honours bestowed by Tuia Pito Ora, acknowledging their exceptional and enduring contributions to the Institute and landscape architecture in Aotearoa.

We were delighted to celebrate:

Rachel de Lambert

Citation presented by Julia Wick.
Recognised for almost four decades of leadership in design, professional practice and mentorship, including her significant contributions to Te Tangi a te Manu and nearly a decade of service as the Institute's Registrar. Her influence extends well beyond the projects she has shaped to the many practitioners she has supported and inspired.

Clive Anstey

Citation presented by Simon Swaffield and Alan Titchener.
Honoured for nearly 50 years of leadership, education, advocacy and service to the profession. From pioneering approaches to conservation planning to mentoring generations of landscape architects, Clive has championed a thoughtful, integrated understanding of people, place and landscape.

David Irwin

Citation presented by Nik Kneale.
Recognised for his transformative influence on landscape-led design in Aotearoa. A co-founder of Isthmus Group, David has helped shape some of the country's most significant public spaces while championing collaboration, design excellence and the development of future generations of landscape architects.

Gavin Lister

Citation presented by Brad Coombs.
Honoured for his leadership in landscape planning and design, including his influential work on landscape assessment methodologies and co-authorship of Te Tangi a te Manu. His commitment to professional practice, collaboration and mentorship has helped shape both the profession and the people within it.

Boyden Evans

Citation presented by Dr Frank Boffa.
Recognised for more than 50 years of distinguished service, including pioneering work in landscape and visual assessment, professional leadership and an enduring commitment to the Institute. His contributions have helped establish the standards, credibility and professional identity of landscape architecture in Aotearoa.