News
Out in the landscape: Field Notes from Ōtautahi
Posted 10 11 2026
in News
Five field trips, plenty of conversations and a chance to experience landscape architecture beyond the conference room.
On Thursday 5 November, delegates at Firth NZILA Wānanga 2026 headed out across Ōtautahi Christchurch for an afternoon exploring the places, projects and landscapes helping shape the city.
From wetlands and waterways to recreation spaces, urban regeneration and community connections, the five field trips offered an opportunity to see landscape architecture in practice, hear from those involved and share ideas with colleagues along the way.
Delegates explored:
- Te Kuru Wetland, discovering the connections between stormwater management, ecology, recreation and climate resilience. Thanks to Christchurch City Council.
- Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, exploring the landscape and public realm surrounding this significant new community facility. Thanks to Boffa Miskell.
- Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, taking to two wheels to explore the City to Sea Pathway, Mōkihi Bridge and Avon Park. Thanks to Nik Kneale and Dave Little.
- Te Nukutai o Tapoa Naval Point, exploring the transformation of this important coastal recreation space. Thanks to Botanic Landscape Architects.
- Marokapara and Margaret Mahy Playground, discovering different approaches to place, design, regeneration and connection. Thanks to Di Lucas and Catherine Hamilton.
Bringing the experiences back together
On Friday morning, the experiences and observations from the field trips were shared with the wider Wānanga through Field Notes: Learning from a City in Change.
Facilitated by Peter Whiting, the session brought together reflections from Jacky Bowring (Marokapara), Peter Whiting (Naval Point), Suzanne Lange (Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor) and Hugh Forsyth (Te Kuru Wetland), Kirstie Thorpe (Parakiore), and Brooke Takimoana (Students).
It was an opportunity to share what had been seen and learned, and bring fresh perspectives back into the conversations taking place across the two days.
A big thank you
These experiences wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of the people who welcomed our groups, shared their knowledge and helped bring each place and project to life.
Our sincere thanks to all our field trip hosts and guides for bringing these projects to life for our delegates.
A special thank you also goes to our volunteer photographers, who captured the experiences across the city: Stephen Olsen (Marokapara), Sin Man Cheng and Elizabeth Schonwold (Naval Point), Jane Ge and Sophie Jacques (Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor), Lesly Tatler (Parakiore), and Ainsley Verstraeten and Nicole Tune (Te Kuru Wetland).
And thank you to our field trip reporters, guides, health and safety volunteers, and of course all the delegates who joined us.
Enjoy a selection of photos from across the five field trips here.
