Rangitahi Kawe recognised with 2024 President’s Award

Award recipients have engaged with a wide range of issues or have worked diligently to provide benefits to and for the greater good of the profession.

Landscape architect Rangitahi Kawe was a recipient of a President’s Award at the 2024 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA) Conference. These awards acknowledge those who advance the profession of Landscape Architecture through their time, dedication, passion and vision.

The award citation noted:

Rangitahi’s potential as a leader within the Institute and the wider landscape architecture industry is evident. As we move towards a more co-design oriented space, his insights and vision will be critical. His ability to blend traditional wisdom with contemporary practices sets an example for others to follow. Rangitahi’s foresight and leadership are poised to shape the future of our industry, paving the way for innovative and inclusive approaches to design and architecture.

Rangitahi’s involvement with the NZILA includes the Institute’s Creative Panel, which helped prepare the Conference theme and sub-themes, co-ordinate keynote speakers, and prepare content for conference workshops and panel discussions.

As Cultural Advisor to Creative Panel, Rangitahi played a lead role in engagement with mana whenua and provided guidance on tikanga and kawa (cultural customs and protocols) related to the opening and closing of the 2024 Conference.

Rangitahi explains, “I evaluated and reorganized the overall theme and sub-themes for the conference, and workshopped with the NZILA Board, other Creative Panel members and key sponsors to change the branding of the NZILA Conference to the NZILA Wānanga. This was the first time this has happened.”

The results of Rangitahi’s work were referenced in his award citation:

The award is in recognition of Rangitahi’s dedication, knowledge of Mātauranga Māori and contributions to the industry, particularly through his support of the Wānanga and his profound cultural advice which provided a strong cultural foundation that benefited all participants.

At the 2024 Wānanga, Rangitahi had key roles as Kaikōrero – speaking on behalf of the Institute during the opening formalities (Mihi Whakatau) – and as Master of Ceremonies for the first day of the Wānanga. Additionally, he was one of four panelists talking to the subject of Co-design: a model for weaving te ao Māori and te ao pākeha to shape Aotearoa.

Rangitahi is a registered landscape architect, a member of Te Tau-a-Nuku, and a Pae Tahi member of Ngā Aho the network of Māori design professionals.