Landscape professionals in Australia’s capital are pushing back against a proposed licensing framework – a discussion that may sound familiar to New Zealand contractors navigating our own regulatory environment. The Landscape Association (TLA) in Australia is leading a renewed campaign to have structural landscaping formally recognised within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government’s trade licensing review, arguing that excluding the sector risks creating unnecessar

Mitre 10 offers every product landscapers might need – from paving and decking to plants and everything in between. Check out our top product picks below! Plazrok Pavers Plazrok Pavers is an innovative alternative to traditional paving materials. Manufactured using Plazrok Aggregate, the product incorporates 88% post-consumer plastic waste, reimagined through a proprietary composite process to create a strong yet lightweight paving solution. This shift toward engineered aggre

Summer 2026 saw several notable landslips following extreme rain events. In this article, horticulture expert Jon Muller discusses how planting can mitigate the effects. I have just returned from an ocean swim at Mount Maunganui, where I spotted huge slips on the mountain that were especially noticeable from sea. While there, Wellington experienced its own intense flooding and resulting slips. The Mount is still closed but, hopefully, the parties involved can sort out the iss

As New Zealand’s first 100% Kiwi-based landscaping business to certify as B-Corp, Grasshopper Gardens is showing how long-term planning and accountability can reshape the industry and ‘close the loop’ for all involved. In a move to tackle global warming, social inequality and scepticism of how companies can meet the demands of our changing world, a growing community of Certified B Corporations™ is hoping to prove that business can be a force for good. Nearly 10,000 certified

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill (Bill) has now received Royal Assent and has come into force on 21 February 2026. This article by Duncan Cotterill Partner Mark Lawlor, Partner Alastair Espie, Associate Hagen Neumegen and Solicitor Bridget Craig explains everything you need to know The Bill introduces substantial changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 (Act) and will aim to increase labour market flexibility and business confidence. We touch on the key changes for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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