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

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

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

When Matt Morrison left school on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and picked up a shovel for a two-week work experience placement, he had no idea it would set the foundation for a life in landscaping Now, alongside his wife Becs, he owns and runs Total Landscape Solutions in Palmerston North – a company known for its professionalism, strong communication and diverse skillset. Following his placement, Matt completed a four-year trade apprenticeship in structural landscaping in Austr

Mitre 10 offers every paving product landscapers might need – from concrete to porcelain paving. Check out our top product picks below! Rusk Terrazzo paving range by Horizon International is a premium paving solution designed for residential and commercial applications – and is available at Mitre 10 now! These concrete pavers are New Zealand-made and crafted using advanced Italian hydraulic press technology, applying 750T PSI pressure to create dense and durable pavers. This

If you’re considering training for your landscaping team, there’s never been a better time. With the Apprenticeship Boost continuing in 2026, enrolling new or existing staff into a Primary ITO Landscaping Apprenticeship is an opportunity not to be missed Employers taking on a new apprentice, or looking to enrol existing team members, may be eligible for $500 a month, per apprentice, through the Apprenticeship Boost. This payment is made directly to employers to help retain an

Trees are integral to our health and the environment. They stabilise the soil, support wildlife and sequester carbon – as well as adding colour and interest to outdoor spaces in all seasons. In this article, horticulture expert Rebecca Hughes from Blue Mountain Nurseries discusses the best trees for small spaces Firstly, trees of all sizes are best planted in autumn and winter. However, if water is available, you can plant all year round. That being said, there are a few thin

When designing or installing a pool, it’s important to be aware of the relevant safety legislation. This article by MBIE takes an in-depth look at the current requirements These rules are designed to protect young children from the danger of drowning. All residential pools that can hold 40cm (400mm) or more of water require a physical barrier to restrict access to unsupervised children. This includes portable and temporary pools. If you are purchasing or fitting a pool, whic

With fines increasing and insurance cover for those fines now banned, the stakes for working around protected trees have never been higher – as a recent case shows In October, DS Trees Limited was fined $29,250 in the Auckland District Court after illegally trimming a protected tōtara in Mt Eden. The company admitted cutting three branches over 50mm in diameter without the required consent, damaging the tree’s shape and breaching District Plan rules protecting notable trees.

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 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 Dwell

A friend from the South Island recently asked me about planting near pools, as her partner was in the process of building one on their property It got me thinking. In this case, the pool is surrounded by large evergreen native trees. While we often think of deciduous trees as big leaf droppers, all trees drop leaves to varying degrees. One example is Metrosideros excelsa (pōhutukawa). While you shouldn’t have these trees anywhere near buildings or structures due to their ver

New Zealand’s landscape industry continues to evolve, with clients increasingly seeking outdoor environments that reflect the same level of architectural intent and material quality found in the built form Into this space comes Archipello. – a new range of architecturally designed landscape elements, curated specifically for the New Zealand market and available exclusively through Advance Landscape Systems. Archipello. is not positioned as a decorative afterthought. It is a d