Media release – March 20, 2008

Queen Street upgrade shortlisted for national design award

Auckland’s controversial Queen Street redevelopment has been named as a finalist in a prestigious national design award.

The multi-million dollar upgrade is among 47 entries shortlisted in the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects’ biennial awards.

A total of 97 entries were received for the 2008 NZILA Resene Pride of Place Landscape Awards, almost double the 50 that took part the last time the event was held in 2006.

Entries came from around the country, and those picked as finalists include a number of developments along Wellington’s waterfront, the Northern Gateway Alliance project at Orewa, and the Sylvia Park shopping complex.

Debbie Saegenschnitter, a landscape architect from Adelaide, was one of three design judges who made site visits around the country.

“As a newcomer to New Zealand and to New Zealand landscape architecture I was very impressed with the confidence of much of the design work,” says Debbie.

“While there are many worthy award recipients, I was particularly taken with the projects that showed restraint and sought to capture the essence of the place without feeling the need to 'over design'.”

The awards are split into three categories – Design, Planning and Student.

Each finalist will be awarded either a bronze, silver or gold award at the Resene paint sponsored ceremony in Auckland on April 5, with special awards set to be given for colour and sustainability along with two Supreme Champions.

Landscape Architect Heidi Monks, the Awards Convenor, says: “The passion that the landscape architects feel for their work is evident in the way they have presented their work, and it’s a joy to see.”

Design judge Simon Smale, a landscape architect with the Department of Conservation, says a huge amount of new landscape has been constructed since the last awards two years ago, and around the country the work differs as each area has its own issues.

“The issues in Auckland are largely about defining a sustainable shape for urban growth into the future,” says Simon.

“’Positively Wellington’ is rapidly redefining itself from what Billy Connolly might well have described as a very ‘beige’ capital city as late as the 1980s to a vibrant centre of arts and culture that is becoming internationally renowned for the quality of its urban spaces.

“In Queenstown and elsewhere in the deep south, there remains a profound community concern to ensure that human activity and development is a ‘good fit’ with its stunning natural landscape context.”

The Pride or Place awards will be announced at a ceremony at Auckland’s Hyatt
The awards and conference will coincide with the International Federations of Landscape Architect’s (IFLA) World Landscape Architecture Month.

At the last awards in 2006, 26 medals were awarded, including the two supreme awards which went to projects in Auckland and New Plymouth.

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