The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora says it’s looking to the future as it announces the results of its inaugural board election. After 51 years, the Institute transitioned from an Executive Committee to a Board effective 1 August 2023.

The board members were elected by a vote of their peers, recognising their significant contributions to the field and their commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative practices.

Each board member will play a crucial role in shaping the vision and objectives of New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora, working collectively to advocate for the interests of landscape architects, foster professional development, and promote the value of landscape architecture within New Zealand.

The members of the NZILA (New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora) Inaugural Board are listed below: 

Debbie Tikao: Chair

Tikao is the director of Tipu Design and the manager of the Environmental Portfolio for Ōnuku Rūnanga. She is a panellist on the Christchurch City Council Urban Design Panel and was, for 8 years the General Manager of Matapopore. Currently, she is leading the process of developing an integrated mahinga kai management and climate change adaptation and mitigation plan for Akaroa Harbour and is working towards a master’s in urban design.

Tikao is currently on the Ōnuku Rūnanga executive komiti, a position she has held for over 10 years, and representative on Te Paiherenga (ECan papatipu rūnanga advisory group).

During her time as General Manager for Matapopore, she sat on reference and steering groups, providing guidance and governance on the delivery of significant projects. Recently, she has been working with the NZCIC and Tuia Pito Ora to change their organisational processes or structure to better recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensure their members are equipped to move forward with confidence to shape a more resilient and equitable future that represents our dual world views.

John Potter: Deputy Chair

Potter is a fellow of New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora, a former Registration Working Group Chair, and a practicing Partner at Boffa Miskell (Auckland). His work focuses on large-scale streetscape/public realm projects and residential developments. He held the role of a Director on the Boffa Miskell Board from 2016 to 2022, and strongly supports board diversity.

The NZILA says Potter is proud to have worked alongside inspirational landscape architects from his firm and other consultancies as integrated design team members on past and current transformational public realm projects. They continue to say he is heartened to see a maturing of the profession as it begins to appreciate the benefits of collaboration and co-operation over isolation and competition.

They say Potter is looking forward to contributing to a successful transition from Executive to Board organisational structure; assisting in establishing a solid foundation from which the Institute can flourish, and navigating the challenges and opportunities that landscape architects collectively face as a profession.

Matthew Jones

Jones is a landscape architect based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. He has over 18 years’ experience, specialising as a design planner. He works with private and public sector clients in urban and rural landscapes across Aotearoa, New Zealand, and is currently an appointed member of the Auckland Urban Design Panel.

He has been a member of Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects for many years, including time when he was a student.

Dan Males

Males is a current member of The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora executive committee and helps run a small landscape architecture practice in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

As part of the Executive Committee, Males was involved in the recent changes to Institute constitution and strongly believes the new board structure will provide improved continuity and structure to governance.

Dr. Alayna Pakinui Rā

Dr. Pakinui Rā (Ngāi Tahu) is a registered landscape architect with Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA) and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). She was born and raised on Ngāi Tahu whenua in Ōtepoti and Ōtautahi and is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and ensuring mana whenua agency prevails in planning, design, and construction processes.

Pakinui Rā is also an active ‘Pae Matua’ member of Ngā Aho and key contributor to Te Tau a Nuku. She has extensive experience working with Iwi Māori across Aotearoa and Indigenous communities internationally, with her work focusing on social justice and equitable city making.

Julia Wick

Wick served on the NZILA Executive Committee from 2015 to 2021 and brings a deep knowledge of the NZILA membership, strong industry connections, and a broad awareness of the aspirations and needs of the industry.

As a board member, Wick’s goals will revolve around enhancing the resilience and sustainability of NZILA while ensuring continuous growth opportunities. She is committed to contributing to the institute’s overall success and actively shaping its trajectory for the future.

More information on Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects can be found on www.nzila.co.nz.