Registration
Becoming a Registered Landscape Architect is a significant professional milestone. It shows your competence, commitment to Te Ao Māori, and leadership in shaping the landscapes of Aotearoa.
There are several pathways to registration depending on your experience and background.
Which pathway is right for you?
Graduate Mentoring Pathway
For Graduate Members who are starting their professional journey towards registration.
- You’ll complete a period of mentoring with a Registered Landscape Architect.
- Includes workshops, a portfolio of work, and an interview.
- Designed to build confidence and professional competence step by step.
Learn more about Graduate Mentoring
Affiliate Mentoring Pathway
For Affiliate Members with a related qualification (design, planning, urban design) and substantial professional experience.
- Requires 400 weeks (around 10 years) of practice, including time in Aotearoa.
- You’ll work with a Registered Mentor and complete the same assessment process as graduates
Learn more about Affiliate Mentoring
Reciprocity Pathway
For overseas landscape architects who are already Registered or Chartered with an IFLA-recognised institute.
- Recognises equivalent membership held overseas.
- Requires local experience in New Zealand and an interview to demonstrate knowledge of our professional context.
Established Membership (G10+) Pathway
- For long-standing NZILA members with 10+ years in professional practice who have not previously entered the registration process.
- Requires at least 450 weeks of practice (including 90 weeks in New Zealand).
- Applicants are assessed on the same core competencies but are expected to show greater depth and leadership in practice.
Learn more about Established Membership
Mentors and Sponsors
Mentors support candidates with regular guidance and formal sign-offs. Sponsors provide the formal endorsement some pathways need.
- Mentors: Registered NZILA LAs. Meet at least every two months, review Workbooks and portfolios, confirm readiness for interview.
- Sponsors: Registered NZILA LAs who know the applicant’s work and can attest to ability, character and New Zealand practice.
Learn more about Mentors and Sponsors
Group Mentors
Group Mentors run branch workshops that build peer learning and momentum.
- Branches aim for two workshops a year.
- Candidates attend at least two workshops in Stage 1.
- Sessions cover progress checks, targeted topics and CPD signposts. Group Mentors may second applications.
Learn more about Group Mentors
Confidentiality and Conduct
To keep the process fair and safe, everyone involved follows the NZILA Code of Conduct, which includes confidentiality.
- Protect candidate, project, client and employer information.
- Use it only for Registration, store securely, delete or destroy after use.
- Declare and manage conflicts of interest early.
Learn more about Confidentiality and Conduct
Ready to apply?
Mentoring
You can apply for mentoring anytime, noting the requirement is minimum 60 weeks so the deadline each year is 1 August to meet requirements for interviews the following November.
You will be invoiced $100 + GST once you have applied and your mentor has accepted. Your participation in the programme will be confirmed once the invoice is paid.
Submit your documents and apply for Registration Interview
Applications for November interviews, including all required documentation regardless of pathway, must be completed by 30 September.
An invoice for the application fee of $499 + GST will be issued on receipt of the application.
Apply for Registration Interview *
Need support?
If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you, or have questions about the process, see the FAQs page or get in touch at admin@nzila.co.nz. We’re here to help.