NZ first for landscape architecture

For the first time New Zealand will host the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Council meeting and World Congress . The World Council meeting on April 11 at SkyCity in Auckland will be the Federations 50th World Congress, and is hosted by the NZ Institute of Landscape Architects. The Federation represents 70 landscape architecture institutes and associations world-wide. An International Indigenous Workshop for Landscape Architects will also be held as part of the congress.

"Shared Wisdom is the theme of this World Congress" said Phil Wihongi, the workshop organiser. "There is a body of unique knowledge which stems from the Mori connection to our whenua and landscapes, and sits alongside that of our indigenous whanau from Australia, Canada and other places. The purpose of this session is to discuss how this knowledge can be shared with our delegates, and ways that their professional practice and relationships can be enriched by a deeper understanding of their indigenous landscape, irrespective of their country of origin. I would expect this session to contribute to IFLA policy on the matter of indigenous landscapes. The workshop will take place over half a day led by iwi leader Antoine Coffin; with panellists Rau Hoskins, director of architectural practice Design Tribe; Haare Williams, poet, author and exhibiting artist; Jacob Scott, artist, designer and educator; and Josephine Clarke and Dr Diane Menzies, landscape architects.

The World Congress on 10 April starts with keynote speaker Malcolm Paterson, heritage and resource manager for Ngati Whatua o Orakei, as a scene setting day. In addition, Aboriginal Landscape Architect Paul Herzich and film maker Vincent Ward will also give keynote presentations.

Prior to the World Congress an International Student Charrette will take place at Unitec with some 65 students attending from Sunday to Tuesday. Their project is a landscape design for a waka (canoe) landing for Ngati Whatua o Orakei. The students will present their work at SkyCity on Tuesday at 4pm. This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the student charrette.

Information on the World Congress, International Student Charrette and Indigenous Workshop can be obtained from the World Congress website http://www.ifla2013.com.

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NZ first for landscape architecture