Entries are now open for the Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Awards 2026.

These awards recognise the depth and breadth of landscape architecture practice across Aotearoa, celebrating projects that shape our places, support our communities, and push the profession forward.

From built design outcomes through to strategy, planning, research and communication, the programme reflects the many ways landscape architects contribute to the environments we live in every day.

What’s new for 2026

This year’s programme has been refined to strengthen clarity, consistency, and fairness across all categories.

• A clearer distinction between Design and Planning categories, reflecting the full scope of practice
• Updated criteria to support more robust assessment of climate and sustainability outcomes
• Stronger guidance around tangata whenua collaboration and engagement
• Clearer expectations for authorship, permissions, and project ownership

These updates respond directly to feedback from previous entrants, judges, and members.

Who can enter

Entries are submitted by companies or practices and must include at least one NZILA member (Life, Registered, or Graduate) who has contributed to the project.

Key dates

• Entries open: 18 March 2026
• Entries close: 20 May 2026, 4.00pm NZT
• Awards Gala: 5 November 2026, Ōtautahi Christchurch

Why enter

Entering the NZILA Awards is an opportunity to:

• recognise the people and projects shaping our landscapes
• contribute to the collective story of the profession
• benchmark your work against peers across Aotearoa
• share your work with a wider audience

Start your entry

Take a look through the Call for Entries and category criteria before you begin.

Everything you need to know: https://nzila.co.nz/awards

If you have any questions, get in touch at events@nzila.co.nz

Thank you to Resene our naming rights sponsor.

The Institute thanks our sponsors and acknowledges that the Awards programme is made possible through this generous support.