The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) announced their 2022 award winners last month at a well-attended industry occasion.
The Auckland Council group - Auckland Transport, Eke Panuku, Tūpuna Maunga Authority and Auckland Council – was awarded two supreme awards, four category winner awards and four excellence awards.
Auckland Council Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services Barry Potter attributes the outstanding outcomes achieved in these projects to “true partnership” with mana whenua.
“From early on in the projects, our mana whenua partners worked with the design teams to bring their knowledge and understanding of place to every level of design. Their contribution has ensured we are delivering uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau spaces for all to enjoy,” he says.
Te Wānanga, delivered by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport in partnership with mana whenua, was awarded the George Malcolm Supreme Award, recognising the most outstanding achievement in landscape design. The award was presented to Isthmus Group for the extraordinary new civic space extending over the city centre’s harbour edge.
Judge Dr Jacky Bowring described the “multi-layered, multi-experiential space” as a “real gift” to the city. “It’s a welcoming site. An educational presence. If you spend time, you’ll learn from being there,” she said.
An Eke Panuku enabled project was awarded the Charlie Challenger Supreme Award recognising the most outstanding achievement in landscape planning. The award was presented to Te Waiohua iwi, Eke Panuku and Resilio Studio for Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui: Te Rautaki, Te Puhinui Regeneration Strategy, which the award judges said was an outstanding example of processes around stream regeneration in south Auckland, within a wide cultural and natural setting.
Karen Wilson, Chair of Te Ākitai o Waiohua, says: “We pay tribute to and rejoice with iwi Māori, and mana whenua nationally and we acknowledge NZILA who continue to push the boundaries and the sea change within. We have committed to and bind to our partnership with Eke Panuku, and Resilio Studio.
“What an exciting challenge to now realise this plan for the communities of South Auckland and Te Puhinui. This is for you. Kia kaha koutou katoa,” she says.
For the full outline of 2022 NZILA awards won by the Auckland Council Group, please visit OurAuckland.