Tuia Pito Ora NZILA’s Registration programme relies on the generosity of experienced members who awhi the next generation. If you are thinking about mentoring or sponsoring, ngā mihi — your support strengthens the profession in Aotearoa.

Mentors

Purpose

Mentors guide Graduate and Affiliate Members through the Registration programme. You help candidates develop the attitudes, strategies and skills they need to practise as competent landscape architects in Aotearoa.

Who can be a mentor

• A Registered NZILA Landscape Architect with the time and willingness to support a candidate
• Ideally someone with relevant project experience and an interest in coaching

What mentoring involves

• Regular meetings to discuss practice, professional judgement and ethics
• Practical guidance, feedback and encouragement
• Formal assessment and sign-off against NZILA’s Registration criteria
• Referring candidates to resources, CPD and group mentoring as needed

Time committment

• Agree a schedule that suits you both
• As a baseline, meet at least every two months
• Expect periodic review and sign-off of the candidate’s Assessment Workbook

How the meetings work

• Set goals and a simple agenda each time
• Review progress on the Assessment Workbook and portfolio
• Identify gaps, plan CPD, and discuss local practice context
• Record outcomes and next steps

What you will review and sign

• Assessment Workbook entries and Mentor assessment sheets
• Portfolio evidence of practice
• Readiness to apply for the Registration Interview

Getting started

• If you have been approached to mentor, please read the Registration Process Mentor Guide (click to download)
• Confirm expectations and meeting cadence with your candidate
• Keep in touch with your local branch’s group mentoring lead 

 Questions

Email admin@nzila.co.nz and we’ll help.

Sponsors

Purpose

Sponsors formally endorse an applicant’s readiness for NZILA Registration when required. This is most commonly for Reciprocity applicants and Established Membership (G10+) candidates.

Who can be a sponsor

• A Registered NZILA Landscape Architect who has personal knowledge of the applicant and their work

When sponsorship is required 

• Reciprocity Pathway: two Registered NZILA sponsors are required
• Established Membership (G10+): two Registered NZILA sponsors, including one Sponsor who provides a citation
• Some candidates may also ask a mentor to act as proposer where appropriate

What sponsors confirm

By endorsing an application you confirm that you:

• Know the applicant and their work personally
• Can speak to their professional ability and character
• Understand their methods of practice and experience
• Consider they meet NZILA’s requirements for Registered membership in the New Zealand context

What you may need to provide

• A concise statement of support or form-based endorsement
• For G10+ applications, a Sponsor citation (around 500 words)
• Availability to clarify context with the Registration Panel if requested

Good sponsorship looks like

• Careful review of the applicant’s evidence and New Zealand experience
• Balanced, specific comments rather than general praise
• Encouragement of any further CPD needed to strengthen local knowledge

Resources

If you have been asked to sponsor a candidate, download the Registered Member Guide that contains all the information you need

Questions

Email admin@nzila.co.nz and we’ll point you in the right direction.