Firth NZILA Wānanga 2026
5-6 November 2026
Join us in Ōtautahi, a city shaped by change and ongoing renewal
This November, the Firth NZILA Wānanga brings the profession together for two days of connection, challenge, and shared direction.
Grounded in Ka Rū Ka Hā — Awaken the Energy, the 2026 wānanga explores how we respond to change across our landscapes, our communities, and our practice. In Ōtautahi, that kōrero sits within a city that continues to evolve, offering a powerful context for how we design, lead, and work together.
Ka Rū Ka Hā — the theme
There’s a moment before things shift. You can feel it building in the whenua, in people, and in the way ideas start to move.
Ka Rū Ka Hā speaks to that moment. A stirring of energy, purpose, and collective momentum across our profession.
Join us in Ōtautahi
Registrations are now open. Join us for two days of kōrero, connection and shared learning in Ōtautahi.
Whether you're looking to explore new ideas, reconnect with colleagues, or be part of the conversations shaping our future, we'd love to see you in Christchurch this November.
Start planning now
To help with travel planning, we're sharing the outline schedule below. A detailed programme will be available soon.
Wednesday 4 November:
- Student Wānanga at SOLA, Lincoln University. Students and professionals welcome. Approx 11am-2pm
- President's Function (invitation only), 4.30-6.30pm
Thursday 5 November:
- Firth NZILA wānanga day 1 approximately 8.30am to 5.00pm
- Resene NZILA Awards Gala Dinner 6.30pm
Friday 6 November:
- Firth NZILA wānanga approximately 8.30am to 4.30pm
View ticket options and register
Resene NZILA Awards
The NZILA Awards will be held alongside the wānanga, celebrating the people and projects shaping our landscapes.
The programme is taking shape
Members will receive updates directly as things develop.
We’ll keep this page updated as the wānanga continues to take shape.
Thank you
Thank you to Firth our naming rights sponsor.
The Institute acknowledges that the events programme is made possible through the generous support of our partners.
Further sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available. Get in touch with events@nzila.co.nz to find out more!
Ready to join us?
Secure your place at the Firth NZILA Wānanga and Resene NZILA Awards.