NZILA 50th: 2022 NZILA Firth Conference Welcome — LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA

The 2022 NZILA Firth Conference is underway, beginning last night with a welcome event as the Institute gets its 50th anniversary celebrations underway.

Two new Life Members, Jan Woodhouse and Dennis Scott, were announced, along with four new Fellows, Shannon Bray, John Brenkley, Catherine Hamilton and Nicole Thompson. You can read more about the Life Members here, and the Fellows, here.

All current life members were also presented with a pounamu stone carving as recognition of their special status within the Institute.

Earl Bennett and Neil Aitken weren’t able to join the current NZILA members in Auckland last night.

The 2022 President’s awards were also presented. These awards are an opportunity for the Institute to celebrate some of the heroes and unsung heroes of the profession and can be given to both NZILA members and non-members, individuals and groups/organisations.

Recipients are those who have gone above and beyond and who have engaged with a wide range of issues or who have worked diligently to provide benefits to and for the greater good of the profession.

The NZILA says the awards provide the opportunity to also recognise clients, other design disciplines and organisations which contribute to the development and promotion of Landscape Architecture.

Robyn Rawson and Jacqueline Paul are missing in this photo of last night’s President’s Award winners.

Last night’s recipients were:

Craig Pocock in recognition in International Achievement – Carbon Landscape
Melean Absolum for contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture - Accreditation Panel
Robin Rawson for contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture - CPD Registrar
Dr Jacky Bowring for recognition in Publishing and contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture.
Dr Matthew Bradbury for contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture – Climate Action Advocacy
Boyden Evans for contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture – in the field of Landscape Planning
Claire Watson for contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture - Advocacy and Promotion
Jacqueline Paul for recognition as an Emerging Leader in Landscape Architecture

Dr Williams and Dr Diane Menzies on stage last night.

A new award was also presented last night. The Tū Kahikatea tohu Award was given to Dr Haare Williams in recognition of outstanding and enduring commitment to kaupapa Māori, and, in particular for the gifting of the name Tuia Pito Ora for the Institute.

Today the conference begins with a historical review of each of the past five decades of NZILA.