Shortlisted!
Two Botanic projects recognised in the 2026 NZILA Awards
We are thrilled to share that two projects involving Botanic Landscape Architects have been shortlisted for the 2026 Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Awards.
Te Kopikopiko o te Waka
Category: Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation
Designed collaboratively by Lucas Associates and Botanic Landscape Architects, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka is an interactive cultural landscape and viewpoint near Weheka–Fox Glacier. At its centre, a sculptural waka expresses Te Waka o Aoraki, the Ngāi Tahu creation narrative of Te Waipounamu. A central pathway tells the parallel geological story of the glacier through locally sourced stone, shifting from angular mountain rock to rounded river stone and beach pebbles. The project was developed through close collaboration with the Department of Conservation, Ngāti Māhaki, Tohu Whenua, master carver Fayne Robinson and Art Fetiche. Together, the team created a place that brings cultural storytelling, geological interpretation and the rugged character of Te Tai Poutini into one immersive visitor experience.
See more on Te Kopikopiko o te Waka here.
Te Hurihanga ō Rangatahi - Youth Hub Christchurch
Category: Landscapes of Care
Designed collaboratively by Field Studio of Architecture and Urbanism, Botanic Landscape Architects and Wood, Te Hurihanga ō Rangatahi is the first facility of its kind in Aotearoa, bringing together supported housing, health, education and social services for young people. Landscape is woven through the Hub—from private gardens and communal courtyards to atrium planting, rooftop terraces and an activities court—creating welcoming places for retreat, recreation, connection and everyday contact with nature. Kahikatea provides a recurring ecological thread and embedding of the cultural narrative developed by Matapopore, expressing strength, whānau, hauora and connection while recalling the former wetland landscapes of Ōtautahi.
See more on Te Hurihanga ō Rangatahi - Youth Hub Christchurch here.
We are incredibly proud to see both projects recognised among such a strong field of landscape architecture from across Aotearoa. Each reflects the value of collaboration and the ability of landscape to support wellbeing, strengthen identity and connect people more deeply with place.
We look forward to celebrating with the wider profession when the award results are announced in Ōtautahi Christchurch in November.
