About the Awards
The Landscapes of Distinction Awards are a mark of excellence, respected both within the sector and by the wider public.
Members’ work is assessed against rigorous criteria by a panel of independent landscaping professionals. The Awards cover design, the installation of hard and soft landscaping, and maintenance across both residential and commercial projects.
Projects that achieve a high enough standard are awarded a medal: bronze, silver or gold. The top-scoring project in each category is named a Premier Award winner and is then eligible for the Supreme Award.
Entries for Landscapes of Distinction 2027 open 1 December.
Awards programme 2027
Entries for the Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2027 open on 1 December 2026. Preparation guides are available below to help Members bring together the story and supporting detail behind their work.
Key dates
Entries open: 1 December 2026
Entries close: 31 March 2027
Judging concludes: 31 May 2027
Awards dinner: Saturday 4 September 2027, Queenstown
Eligibility
Entrants must be Accredited Members of Registered Master Landscapers and retain that status throughout the Awards programme.
New for 2027
Project Revisited
Quality landscaping stands the test of time, but gardens also evolve, bringing new opportunities and challenges along the way.
The new Project Revisited category invites projects previously entered into the Landscapes of Distinction Awards in 2021 or earlier to be reassessed, recognising how a landscape has matured, adapted and developed over time.
Expanded award for emerging designers
The Student Design category is being renamed and expanded for 2027. For the first time, it will also be open to young designers with less than two years of professional experience who work for Registered Master Landscapers member companies.
Start preparing your entry
Submission Guides
The full Entry Pack will be available from 1 December 2026. In the meantime, these guides will help you get started, outlining the information to gather and the level of detail to aim for in your submission.
Awards Insights & Inspiration
PROJECT CATEGORIES
There are 14 entry categories across residential, commercial, and environmental works. You can enter one or multiple projects into as many categories as you choose.
DESIGN
- Residential Design up to 500m2
- Residential Design over 500m2
- Commercial Design up to 2,000m2
- Commercial Design over 2,000m2
Key criteria for judging will be the success of the integration of the design and technical solutions with the site and the value of the contribution of individual design elements to enhance the overall concept.
BUILD
- Residential Build up to $250,000
- Residential Build over $250,000
- Commercial Build up to $500,000
- Commercial Build over $500,000
Projects may include elements of soft landscaping, though the judges will especially be looking at construction skill and/or planting skill sets and methodology. Green Wall projects may also be judged under this category.
MAINTAIN
- Residential and Commercial Maintain up to 1,500m2
- Residential and Commercial Maintain over 1,500m2
Projects may include elements of soft landscaping, though the judges will especially be looking at construction skill and/or planting skill sets and methodology. Green Wall projects may also be judged under this category.
BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TOGETHER
Given the numbers of entries into these categories in the past, this year, the management and maintenance of gardens in either the private or public sector have been grouped together.
Submissions in these categories will be assessed on the maintenance programme in place, the appearance and health of the garden, and the impact that this programme has had on the design aesthetic.
ENVIRONMENTAL/REVEGETATION ANY SIZE
Open project budget and property size
The emphasis is on outcomes that demonstrate enhancement of sustainable natural landscapes through restoration and new plantings. This can include but is not limited to public park restoration and land rehabilitation for conservation and can form part of a larger scheme.
Projects that qualify in this category can include waterway/stream planting, community gardens as well as broader private landscapes such as lifestyle blocks.
STUDENT DESIGN
Students who are currently studying or are within one year of leaving study. Projects in this category will be assessed on submitted design plans. Judges will also consider how the project plans will successfully serve the client brief and respond to site conditions. The judges are looking for creative design solutions, and excellent graphic communication.
ENTRY FEES
$250+gst per category for accredited Members (To find out more about becoming a member go online to https://masterlandscapers.org.nz/application-membership )
Free of charge for students entering the Student Design category.
Category Awards
In each project category, entries are judged for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
Premier Awards
These awards recognise the best overall category projects from the winning entries. Premier winners are judged as the overall winner across Residential and Commercial Projects categories for:
- Best Residential Design Project of the Year
- Best Commercial Design Project of the Year
- Best Residential Build Project of the Year
- Best Commercial Build Project of the Year
- Best Maintenance Project of the Year
- Best Environmental / Revegetation Project of the Year
Supreme Award – Landscape of the Year
These Awards recognise the best project in each category that achieves the standard worthy of a Premier Award. (Sometimes categories can be combined and there is not necessarily a Premier Award for each category.)
Our Key Partners
Landscapes of Distinction 2025
Supreme Award Winner
Second Nature | Urban Sanctuary
Maintenance of the Year
Softscape Residential & Commercial of the Year
Tucked away at the end of a long driveway, Urban Sanctuary lives up to its name. What begins as an unassuming entry quickly unfolds into a layered and expansive garden, revealing space after space, each complete and carefully considered.
It is a peaceful retreat that blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. An eclectic mix of flowering plants, shrubs, specimen trees, and grasses contrasts with the natural rock features, stepping stones, pots, and expansive lawns. This serene space is a seamless extension of the Cheshire Architect-designed home, combining textural diversity, structure, and artistry. Damian Wendelborn’s design is a successful response to the client’s desire to have a garden in the style of Italian designer, Luciano Giubbelei, a creator of multi-layered environments “where culture and nature are in close communication”. Second Nature have interpreted the design masterfully.
Across this large property, no corner has been neglected. The attention to detail is consistent and deliberate, from high-wear activity areas to the exquisite rock placement, water features and the quieter, more contemplative garden rooms. It was a joy to visit this garden and the judges were unanimous in nominating it for the Supreme Award.
Premier Award Winners
Residential Build of the Year
South Pacific Landscapes | Kopanga
“The judges were particularly impressed by the detailing and care throughout the project—something that can easily be diluted at this scale.”
Commercial Build of the Year
Luijten Landscaping | Otahuhu Primary Free Play
“The space radiates energy and invites active play, with a thoughtful range of activities suited to various skill levels for primary-aged children.”
Maintenance of the Year
Second Nature | Urban Sanctuary
“This is maintenance not just as upkeep, but as stewardship. […] The result is a property that feels timeless, inviting, and cherished by its owners.”
Environmental - Revegetation of the Year
Kūmānu | Mahitahi / Maitai River Reprofiling and Revegetation
“The restoration project has enriched the local ecosystems, restored key habitat types and improved the site as an asset for the community.”
Softscape Residential & Commercial of the Year
Second Nature | Urban Sanctuary
“The softscape in this project was designed by Damian Wendelborn and beautifully interpreted by Second Nature. […] The plant palette is extensive, yet nothing feels overdone.”
Residential & Commercial Design of the Year
Luijten Landscaping | Orewa Sub-Tropical Retreat
“This cleverly resolved project demonstrates a very well thought out response to a tight site, achieving the client’s brief with spatial clarity and finesse.”
Special Award Winners
Special Feature Award
Kūmānu | Te Pā Harakeke
People's Choice Award Winner
Onlandscapes Ltd | Watford St
Top Student Design Award
Evie Smith | Rachel’s Garden
Medalists
Design
Residential Design up to 500m²
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Orewa Sub-Tropical Retreat
Residential Design over 500m²
Gold
Botanic Landscape Architects
Cashmere Residence
Residential Design over 500m²
Gold
Xteriorscapes
Urban Oasis
Residential Design over 500m
Gold
Botanic Landscape Architects
Strowan Residence
Residential Design up to 5,00m²
Silver
Xteriorscapes
Urban Oasis
Residential Design up to 500m²
Silver
Humphreys Landscaping
St Mary’s Bay House
Residential Design up to 500m²
Silver
All Elements Landscape Design + Construction
Bremner Bay
Residential Design up to 500m
Bronze
Outline Spaces
Rustic Revival
Commercial Design up to 2,000m²
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Ōtāhuhu Primary Free Play
Commercial Design over 2,000m²
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Kauri Flats Nature Play
Build: Softscape
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $100,000
Gold
Second Nature
Urban Sanctuary
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $100,000
Gold
Natural Habitats
Auckland Temple
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $100,000
Silver
Diva Landscapes
Hogan’s Gully Haven
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $100,000
Silver
Natural Habitats
Fanshawe Street Greenroof
Build: Hardscape
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Manurewa Intermediate Constellation Garden
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Kauri Flats Nature Play
Commercial Build over $500,000
Gold
Kūmānu
Te Pā Harakeke
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $100,000
Silver
Diva Landscapes
Hogan’s Gully Haven
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Manurewa Intermediate Constellation Garden
Commercial Build over $500,000
Gold
Kūmānu
Te Pā Harakeke
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Manurewa Intermediate Constellation Garden
Commercial Build over $500,000
Gold
Kūmānu
Te Pā Harakeke
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
Kate Campbell Gardens
Dalefield Property, Queenstown
Residential Design up to 500m²
Silver
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Residential & Commercial Maintain up to 1,500m²
Silver
Humphreys Landscaping
St Mary’s Bay House
Residential Design up to 500m²
Silver
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Residential & Commercial Maintain up to 1,500m²
Silver
Humphreys Landscaping
St Mary’s Bay House
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Gill Landscapes
Fendalton Family Haven (Scott Residence)
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Top Garden
LumiZen Bramley
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Sole Landscapes
Martinborough “Playground”
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Sole Landscapes
Khandallah Garden Room
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
Kūmānu
Washbourn Gardens
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Sculptural Landscapes
Tuscany Downs
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Shape Landscaping
Mellons Bay Residence
Residential & Commercial Softscape over $250,000
Gold
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
South Pacific Landscapes
Kopanga
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
Kūmānu
Miyazu Japanese Garden
Residential Design up to 500m²
Gold
Residential Build up to $250,000
Gold
Luijten Landscaping
Orewa Sub-Tropical Retreat
Commercial Build over $500,000
Gold
Kūmānu
Mahitahi / Maitai River Reprofiling and Revegetation
Residential Build over $250,000
Gold
Onlandscapes
Watford Street
Residential & Commercial Maintain over 1,500m²
Gold
Green Therapy
Bobs Cove Retreat Maintenance
Commercial Build up to $500,000
Gold
Kūmānu
Punangairi Visitor Experience Centre
Residential Build up to $250,000
Silver
Busy Lizzy Gardens
Patio, Pool & Play in Epsom
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