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LATEST NEWS
Young landscaper and legacy awards are back
In September 2026, Christchurch will host the next Young Landscaper of the Year competition and Legacy Awards Designed for landscapers aged 30 and under, Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) is a national event that continues to elevate the next generation of industry leaders. The competition is a rigorous test of practical ability, technical knowledge and professional capability. Finalists complete a series of challenges reflecting the breadth of modern landscaping – from con
Shaping landscapes and our industry
From a finance graduate to Young Landscaper of the Year, Jarod Anderson has built Christchurch-based Anderson Landscapes on craftsmanship, communication and understated confidence – determined to position high-end landscaping at the centre of residential construction planning Jarod Anderson didn’t follow the typical pathway into landscaping. After finishing high school, he enrolled at Otago University and completed a BCom in finance. It didn’t take long to realise the corpora
What is the biggest challenge of running a small business
This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who are currently working in the industry CONSIDERATE DESIGN Interviewee: Sam Moore - Owner Location: Nationwide Staff: 1 I’ve been self-employed for seven years and running a design and consultancy business, called Considerate Design, for the past three. Before that I was doing garden maintenance. Running a design and consultancy is a completel
LATEST NEWS
Mitre 10 featured product
In today’s landscapes, retaining walls play a role far beyond soil control. For professional landscapers, they are a design opportunity – a chance to shape outdoor spaces that invite people to connect, gather and linger At Mitre 10, we supply Firth’s Keystone® Country Manor® retaining wall system to bring this vision to life, transforming functional structures into timeless outdoor features with character and warmth. Inspired by the charm of old European estate walls and gard
Get up to speed with law changes
Regulatory changes for the construction industry are reshaping the operating environment. We’re here to help business owners and landscapers stay up to speed when undertaking consented work Recent months have seen developments in building regulation and related systems that have implications across the sector. This overview brings together four key updates. GRANNY FLAT EXEMPTIONS From 15 January 2026, new rules allow certain small, standalone dwellings – commonly referred to
Building a career in landscape construction
Primary ITO qualified landscaper Sarah Moorhouse loves working with the team at New Concept Landscaping to create attractive outdoor spaces that clients delight in. Sarah, 26, initially worked in a plant nursery before deciding she wanted to move into landscaping. She applied for a role at New Concept Landscaping in Te Awamutu and when the offer of an apprenticeship was made, she jumped at the opportunity. She says learning on the job has been a great option. “I found the pra
Shaping landscapes and our industry
From a finance graduate to Young Landscaper of the Year, Jarod Anderson has built Christchurch-based Anderson Landscapes on craftsmanship, communication and understated confidence – determined to position high-end landscaping at the centre of residential construction planning Jarod Anderson didn’t follow the typical pathway into landscaping. After finishing high school, he enrolled at Otago University and completed a BCom in finance. It didn’t take long to realise the corpora
What is the biggest challenge of running a small business
This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who are currently working in the industry CONSIDERATE DESIGN Interviewee: Sam Moore - Owner Location: Nationwide Staff: 1 I’ve been self-employed for seven years and running a design and consultancy business, called Considerate Design, for the past three. Before that I was doing garden maintenance. Running a design and consultancy is a completel
Permcon solves site coverage constraints
With granny flats set to be exempt from requiring a consent in early 2026, many homeowners are seeing an easier path to adding a second dwelling to their properties. However, with site coverage limits still applying, increasing the build footprint could cause an issue when it comes to paths, driveways and carparks. That’s where Permcon permeable concrete can offer a practical and sustainable solution The government has passed the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dw
How to protect yourself from storm and flood risk
Storms and flooding can wreak havoc on landscaping projects – from newly laid gardens washing away to erosion undermining retaining walls. Builtin construction insurance expert Ben Rickard outlines the key risks for landscapers and the steps you can take to protect your business, your clients, and your bottom line As weather events become more intense and frequent, storm and flood damage are among the most significant risks landscapers face. The financial impact can stretch w
Resort living reimagined in Palmerston North
The transformation of a 2100m2 Palmerston North property saw Total Landscape Solutions reimagine the section into a series of connected outdoor spaces that have opened new possibilities for family living When homeowners Stu and Kate talked to architects about updating their Palmerston North home, they were asked a simple question – rebuild or restore? “We were asked if we wanted to build a new home. But we wanted to do the old house up, because it was unique and had good bone
Redefining retaining walls
Retaining walls in New Zealand are no longer treated as background infrastructure As sections become steeper and outdoor spaces more closely integrated with architecture, level changes are now central to both design and construction. For today’s landscape specialists, retaining walls must deliver structural performance, clean detailing and long-term durability. RAISING THE MATERIAL BENCHMARK Timber sleepers and masonry blocks have long been common solutions, but expectations
Careful with consents!
Have you been getting consents for low-risk jobs that don’t require them? Or worse, carrying out work that does require a consent without getting one? Perhaps you’ve heard the news about granny flats but aren’t sure the exact details? Schedule 1 of the Building Act details what building work can be carried out without a consent; this article highlights common exempt building work that landscapers may be asked to carry out, including an update about consent-free granny flat re
How to win the quoting battle
You’re sitting at the computer, staring at the numbers for what feels like the 100th time today, while your client waits for your quote. If you can relate to this scenario, you need to read this article by Next Level Tradie Daniel Fitzpatrick Pricing isn’t just about winning work, it’s about building a business that pays what you’re worth, covers your costs and gives you a healthy profit at the end of the month. After coaching thousands of trade business owners to get more wo
Whether you’re a landscaper or just interested in what we’ve got to say, NZ Landscaper Magazine is the place to be.
Featuring expert views from a team of lawyers, business gurus, horticulture specialists and more, NZ Landscaper Magazine is the only magazine designed to help professional landscapers run a smoother, more profitable business.
The editorial team at NZ Landscaper knows what your hot-button issues are and provide answers to some of your most burning questions. So scroll through the site to find out more!
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