For many years, the President’s Function has brought together members who contribute their time and expertise to Tuia Pito Ora, alongside those being recognised through our member honours.

This year, that gathering has a new name:

Pō Whakamānawa

Honouring contribution, strengthening connection

The change is about more than giving an existing event a new title. We wanted the name to better reflect what the gathering is actually for.

Pō Whakamānawa is a time to recognise contribution and achievement, to thank the people who give their time to the mahi of the Institute, and to strengthen the connections that hold our professional community together.

Each year, members support Tuia Pito Ora in countless ways. They step forward to lead on the board, build connection through our branches, judge awards, support registration, contribute to working groups, share their expertise, represent the profession, and help make things happen.

Much of that contribution happens quietly, behind the scenes. Pō Whakamānawa gives us a chance to acknowledge it.

It is also where we celebrate our member honours, recognising people whose contribution to landscape architecture and to our wider community deserves particular acknowledgement.

What’s changing?

The former President’s Function has evolved over time, and we felt its name should evolve with it. Whakamānawa speaks to recognition, acknowledgement and appreciation, which sits much closer to the purpose of the gathering today.

The new name also shifts the emphasis from one individual or office to the people being celebrated: our members, volunteers and contributors.

What stays the same?

Pō Whakamānawa remains an invitation-only gathering for members and others who have contributed to the work of the Institute, together with those being recognised through this year’s member honours.

This year it will be held on Wednesday 4 November, from 4.00pm to 6.30pm at Chateau on the Park in Ōtautahi Christchurch, immediately ahead of our national Wānanga.

Invitations are being sent directly to this year’s guests.

The following morning, our wider community comes together for Ka Rū Ka Hā | Awaken the Energy, the 2026 NZILA Wānanga, on 5 and 6 November at Majestic on Durham.

Find out more about the Firth NZILA Wānanga 2026