The most outstanding landscaping projects in Aotearoa New Zealand recently received the industry’s highest accolade at the Registered Master Landscapers’ Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025.
Every two years the Registered Master Landscapers (RML) Landscapes of Distinction (LOD) Awards recognise projects in residential and commercial landscape design, construction, planting and maintenance.
Registered Master Landscapers has officially represented the landscaping industry for 40 years with a mission to promote professionalism and quality trade practice.
New Zealand’s only association representing the wider landscaping industry, RML’s scope encompasses landscaping design, construction, planting and garden care. Members are bound by a code of conduct and environmental policy, ensuring that businesses operate with integrity.
RML Chair, Janet Clarke says, “These awards offer an opportunity for the very best professional landscapers in Aotearoa New Zealand to receive the recognition and national exposure their expertise so richly deserves.”
Entrants compete for gold, silver and bronze medals across 14 categories in residential and commercial landscape design, construction, installation and maintenance projects.
The pinnacle of achievement is the Supreme Award, which is given to one of the winners from the event’s Premier Award categories. This year, there were six:
• Best Design Project of the Year
• Best Residential Build Project of the Year
• Best Commercial Build Project of the Year
• Best Softscape Project of the Year
• Best Maintenance Project of the Year
• Best Environmental / Revegetation Project of the Year
“The breadth of expertise required to achieve the best results across this range of disciplines makes our industry both a challenging and exciting one to work in,” says Clarke. “Our Premier Award categories reflect the diversity of skillsets within our members’ teams. The level of quality on display among this year’s LOD entries has been truly inspiring.
Auckland-based Second Nature’s entry won both Best Softscape Project of the Year and Best Maintenance Project of the Year and was selected for this year’s Supreme Award.
Designed by Damian Wendelborn, the project was praised by the judges for its serene structure, artistic planting and masterful upkeep across several disciplines.
The maintenance regime from Chris Ballantyne and Second Nature’s Garden Care team meets the site’s evolving needs particularly around irrigation.
Luijten Landscaping won for its clever planning, lush planting and innovative pool fencing of a restricted urban site.
The judges applauded the well-thought-out response to a tight site, achieving the client’s brief with spatial clarity and finesse.
South Pacific Landscapes was recognised for its masterful five-year transformation of an historic Havelock North homestead into a formal garden estate.
Kopanga is a rare example of scale not diminishing detail, where every aspect has been considered and crafted. The judges found the landscape an inviting, rewarding place to spend time. They noted that the visual balance and technical execution showcased a high level of skill and commitment.
Luijten Landscaping won the Commercial Build Premier Award for the redevelopment of the Otāhuhu Primary School free play area. The project redefined a neglected site into a flagship space for active learning and inclusive adventure.
The judges were impressed by the rich, imaginative experiences and distinct aesthetic. They praised the project for contributing meaningfully to children’s play and learning.
An ambitious ecological restoration project on Nelson’s eastern fringe has earned top honours in this category for Kūmānu Environmental.
Its Mahitahi and Groom Creek Redevelopments saw a storm-damaged, weed-infested site become a thriving riverine ecosystem. The LOD judges awarded the scale and execution of the work. The project supports native biodiversity, community recreation and long-term flood resilience. It has enriched local ecosystems, restored key habitat types and improved the site as an asset for the community.
For the first time, this year’s LOD Awards included client feedback within the judging criteria.
“Satisfying the client is always the primary focus of any project,” explains Clarke. “For clients, navigating a project requires knowledge, skill and diplomacy. That’s what we are seeking to celebrate, and why clients’ judgements are now included as part of the LOD judging criteria.
For more information about the Registered Master Landscapers and how to enter your landscaping project in the 2026 Landscapes of Distinction awards, visit the RML website – www.masterlandscapers.org.nz
Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and exciting updates—sign up now to stay connected!
