2026 Resene NZILA Awards shortlist

The shortlist for the 2026 Resene NZILA Awards is confirmed, and this year’s programme attracted a high number of entries from across the breadth of landscape architecture practice, with the judging panel faced with an exceptionally strong field.

The difficult part was not finding strong work. It was determining which entries went beyond established best practice and most clearly demonstrated the new thinking, ambition and leadership that will help move landscape architecture forward.

Each entry was considered closely against the award criteria. The resultant shortlist reflected the depth of talent across the profession and work that is making a meaningful contribution to places, communities and the future of landscape architecture in Aotearoa.

Te Rimutahi is shortlisted in ‘Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation’ and the full and impressive shortlist for this category is;

Te Kuru

Location: Christchurch
Entrant: Christchurch City Council
Client: Christchurch City Council

Maungawhau Tihi Boardwalk (Stage 2)

Location: Auckland
Entrant: Isthmus Group Limited
Client: Tūpuna Maunga Authority

Te Rimutahi 💚

Location: Auckland
Entrant: LandLAB
Client: Auckland Council

Te Kopikopiko o te Waka

Client: Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Location: Fox Glacier

Entrant: Lucas Associates and Botanic Landscape Architects, in collaboration

Congratulations to all the shortlisted entrants and clients, and to the many collaborators, contractors, Communities and project partners behind this mahi.

On Friday 28 August 2026, the NZILA judges visited Te Rimutahi. They were impressed by the beautiful civic space, its subtle and meaningful layers, and its connection to the land and the community. They asked many probing and interested questions. We now await their decision.

Te Rimutahi has previously won the NZILA Award of Excellence in Unbuilt Visionary in 2019.

The 2026 Resene NZILA Awards winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Thursday, 5 November 2026 in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Bon Chance Te Rimutahi 💚🤞⭐️