The Landscapes of Distinction Awards Dinner (the Awards) offer an unparalleled opportunity for the landscaping industry to come together to recognise and celebrate landscape and design projects from the best landscape practitioners in the country.
The Landscapes of Distinction Competition (the Competition) is prestigious and widely recognised within – and beyond – the landscaping industry. Winning provides a respected mark of excellence for the most accomplished and innovative landscape projects around the country, and the industry professionals who made them a reality.
Including a diverse range of categories, ranging in skill type and project cost, the awards recognise the best landscape practitioners in New Zealand, with winners announced at the annual awards event.
Winning an award – whether it’s a named award or a medal – provides an outstanding platform from which to promote your business ahead of competitors in your local market, and attending the awards is a great way to acknowledge and celebrate your staff’s hard work. If you haven’t submitted an entry yet, you have until 14 March to do so, so get in now!
Key networking event
With RML members and their teams coming from around the country, the awards night itself presents an unparalleled networking opportunity to mingle with the best landscapers from across New Zealand.
“Our business runs on the strength of our relationships,” says Greenscapes director Craig Thomas. “That’s what the RML represents and it’s also a part of why we value entering LOD and attending the awards evening.”
Celebrate your staff's successes
The Awards isn’t just about building external connections – it’s also a great chance to recognise staff members and congratulate them on a job well done.
“Being a member of RML has provided us with a supportive network of peers and resources that have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and navigating industry changes,” says Kate, director of Kate Campbell Gardens."
“The opportunity to network at regional catch-ups and industry events, like the LOD gala evening, has been important to us as a growing business.”
Southern Landmarx director Joe Nutting agrees with Kate and says the Awards are an important aspect of the value he gets from being part of the organisation.
“It’s a great night and an ideal opportunity to showcase your work, plus it’s important for the staff and gives them a real sense of pride in the quality of work they've produced.”
Unique promotional opportunity
Not only is the Awards evening touted as the best landscaping event of the year, but winning
Provides significant promotional opportunities,
“Our 2021 Premier Landscape Maintenance award win was covered by the Otago Daily Times,” says Diva Landscapes Director Simon Leversedge. “The benefits were immediate. As a direct result of that article, I fielded a few phone calls – the best thing is those people are still clients today!”
There was no question in Simon’s mind as to whether to enter this year’s competition, and he’s pleased to have several projects in the running.
Kate Campbell Gardens won the 2022 Premier Award for Garden Management / Maintenance and enjoyed a similar experience to Simon.
“The win has been highly valuable from a marketing perspective,” says Kate. “It has allowed us to differentiate ourselves and build trust with potential clients, who acknowledge the recognition as a mark of quality. It also increased our visibility and the number of enquiries we receive.”
The right criteria
RML is pleased to have been able to adapt the criteria for this year’s awards based on feedback from its members and is looking forward to celebrating the beautiful work they have created through their professionalism, exceptional design, and quality craftsmanship.
Recognising the importance of client satisfaction and the skills required to achieve that, entries will also be assessed on the perceived success of the project according to the client.
“The ability to navigate the complex series of relationships that are required to create a successful and beautiful garden has a skillset of its own, and a happy client is the result of a professionally executed project,” explains RML chair Janet.
Best awards yet!
To be held at The Hilton in Auckland, the night promises to provide an excellent chance to catch up with RML members from around the country, admire the best of the best when it comes to landscaping projects, and celebrate being in the running – or hopefully winning – with your team.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the action – start planning your trip now!
The LOD online application form can be completed online until 14 March at masterlandscapers.org.nz.