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 New Zealand.

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 New Zealand.

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 to 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 Guide
• 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 required Established Membership (G10+) (Pathway 3) and Reciprocity (Pathway 4) candidates.

Who can be a sponsor

• A Registered NZILA Landscape Architect with a minimus of 3 years post-Registration exeprience
• A member who has personal knowledge of the applicant and their work

When sponsorship is required 

• Two sponsors are required for each candidate application on Pathway 3 (Established) and Pathway 4 (Reciprocity)
• These sponsors should also be available to clarify context with the Registration panel if requested

What sponsors confirm

• The Primary Sponsor prepares and submits the citation in support of the applicant. This citation should span around 500 words.
• The Secondary Sponsor reviews the citation and confirms their support by endorsing it.

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 Aotearoa New Zealand context

Good sponsorship looks like

• Careful review of the applicant’s evidence and Aotearoa 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, which contains all the information you need.

Questions

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