Tuia Pito Ora President Debbie Tikao hosted the annual President's Function last week (Wed 21 May) at Peak House in Hawkes Bay. 

The cocktail evening is an event designed to thank all volunteers, and to recognise new Fellows and newly Registered members. The evening was proudly sponsored by MHL and Hydro.

Three new Fellows were celebrated - Richard Bain, Bridget Gilbert and Nik Kneale, as well as new Honorary Fellow Peter Sergel. The designation of Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora is conferred upon senior members of the profession, recognising their distinguished work, expertise and particular contribution to landscape, landscape architecture and the profession.

^{L-R Bridget Gilbert, Nik Kneale, Peter Sergel, and Richard Bain, New Fellows (and Honorary Fellow) of Tuia Pito Ora. Through the award of Fellowship, the NZILA recognises its leaders, innovators and ambassadors, and those who have made a special contribution to the development and promotion of the profession.}

Hear from Nik

Hear from Richard

Full profiles of each new Fellow will follow on LAA.

Also celebrated on Wednesday were the newly Registered members of NZILA: Caitlin Cook, Michael Cook, Michael Davis, Alexandra Gardiner, Kris Herman, Hyun Chung Kim, William Morrison, Francis Pierard, Elliot Richmond, Sarah Rowan, Kevin Simpson, Campbell Strachan, and Jed Whitaker.

^{L-R Elliot Richmond, Jed Whitaker, Campbell Strachan, Hyun Chung Kim, Michael Cook, Caitlin Cook, and William Morrison}

Debbie Tikao also handed out the President’s awards during the evening. The awards represent an opportunity for the Institute to celebrate contributors to the numerous facets of the profession. Recipients are members and non members 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.

^{L-R Julia Wick, Bernice Cumming, Ashleigh Hunter}

This year’s President’s awards went to;

Julia Wick in recognition of outstanding leadership and governance
Matthew Jones in recognition of outstanding leadership and governance 
Ashleigh Hunter in recognition of outstanding leadership in cultural collaboration  
Bernice Cumming in recognition of outstanding personal contribution
Charles Ropitini in recognition of outstanding community collaboration
Rhys Girvan in recognition of contribution to the Environmental Legislation Committee, and the Coastal Policy Statement
Megan Harshey in recognition of contribution to the role of CPD Registrar 
Stuart Dun in recognition of contribution to the Creative Panel and webinar programme

^{L-R Debbie Tikao, Angela Hunter, John Potter}

Angela Hunter, COO of NZILA, reflected on the year that's been and thanked outgoing Board members, Debbie Tikao, John Potter, and Alayna Rā. She also had a special thank you for members 

"To our members — thank you.

We know there is still mahi to do. Your patience, your guidance, and your energy continue to lift and guide us. The relationship between us is the foundation of everything we do."

^{L-R Di Menzies, Jan Woodhouse, Frank Boffa - the three founding members of the Landscape Foundation}

A special presentation towards the end of the evening was Di Menzies and Frank Boffa thanking Jan Woodhouse for her service to the Landscape Foundation.

Huge thanks to MHL and Hydro for supporting this event. Bryan and Stephen joined us on the night - we loved catching up! 

Photographs from the evening are available to download here. Use PW Edible.