What is the industry outlook of the latest generation of landscape designers? We catch up with two Landscapes of Distinction Student Award winners to get their views. The Landscapes of Distinction (LOD) Student Award celebrates emerging talent in landscape design, recognising students who demonstrate creativity, technical ability and a strong understanding of the profession. While the award marks the end of their studies, it also offers an early glimpse of the people who wil

Disputes are an unfortunate reality for landscaping contractors. Disagreements can quickly arise if expectations, scope and communication are not managed from the outset. The Building Hub's Ben Rickard explains how to protect yourself. Like insurance, dispute prevention starts before the work begins. The difference between winning and losing will often come down to strong systems, clear documentation and good communication. At The Building Hub, we see the same issues arise t

As sustainability becomes a defining priority in landscape design, infrastructure and land development, retaining wall systems are being asked to do more than simply hold ground. They must reduce environmental impact, support living systems, blend into sensitive sites and still deliver engineered performance. Flex MSE® meets that brief by combining the strength of mechanically stabilised earth with the visual and ecological benefits of vegetation. Flex MSE is a patented veget

Sustainability in landscaping includes choosing materials with lower environmental impact and longer-lasting form and function. Creating materials that last has always been a driving force for Interlink. Founded in 2009 by Matthew Kennedy, Interlink was created to provide customers with access to natural, durable landscape materials that were often hard to find through normal supply channels. From its base in Wanaka, Interlink has grown into a nationwide supplier of reclaimed

From pool building and playground design and build in Australia to running a design-and-build operation in Tauranga, Land Design HQ director Shaun Eckhoff has developed a grounded, practical approach to landscaping – guided by the importance of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Shaun Eckhoff’s pathway into landscaping didn’t follow a straight line – and his journey has shaped the way he approaches client projects today. Growing up in King Country before moving to Hamilton, his fi

Sustainability in landscaping is evolving to ensure outdoor spaces can better withstand environmental pressures – and permeable concrete provides a key solution. Recent flooding events across New Zealand have highlighted the growing strain on stormwater systems and the impact of impermeable urban environments. As rainfall events become more intense and less predictable, landscapers, designers and councils are being forced to rethink the surfaces being specified in outdoor spa

Balancing visual and environmental performance is no easy feat – but Blue Mountain Nurseries has some tips! Trees have always done the heavy lifting in any landscape. They provide structure, shelter and a sense of permanence that smaller plants can’t match. Increasingly, they’re also being considered for what they contribute environmentally as well as visually. For landscapers, that doesn’t mean changing direction. It’s about being deliberate with the trees we’re already usin

Entries are now open for Young Landscaper of the Year, offering a career-defining opportunity for rising talent. Hosted alongside the Landscape Legacy Awards, which honour those who have helped shape the profession, the benefits of taking part extend well beyond the day itself. Thinking of entering yourself or one of your team? Below we highlight what contestants can expect. Designed to challenge and develop emerging professionals, Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) has evol

BRANZ-funded research shows that up to 80% of plastic waste can be diverted from landfill – offering practical insights for landscapers aiming to improve onsite sustainability through better planning and material management. The research examined 7.2T of plastic waste collected from six separate construction sites in Auckland, which was separated and categorised into 46 groups. In total, 4.5T was kept out of landfill. The best-performing site diverted about 80% of its plastic

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. Zones Landscapes Interviewee: Lee Irvine – Director Location: Auckland Staff: 1 I think resilient landscaping in New Zealand is about designing in alignment with the location. That means understanding the land, creating ecosystems that naturally suit the environment and choosing construction methods tha

The move to proportional liability won’t just affect builders, and it’s important that landscapers are aware of how their obligations might shift. In this article, construction risk expert Ben Rickard lays it all on the line. The government has announced that it intends to move the construction sector from “joint and several liability” to proportionate liability. Their stated purpose is to reduce the risk averse behaviour of councils, who under the current regime are often th

Figure 1: Change in surface water runoff due to site development Careful planning of stormwater management can reduce the pressure on council stormwater systems, reduce flooding risks, protect the environment from contamination and cut water use in a household. This article by BRANZ explains how. Stormwater must be managed to minimise the risk of flooding. But allowing all stormwater from a property to run into drains not only wastes a potential source of garden water; it als