Panel Appointments

Boffa Miskell consultants have undertaken advisory roles within their profession.

Rachel de Lambert and John Potter have been appointed to the 8-member Advocacy Panel for the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora.

The newly-created panel is intended to ‘further the profile and aspirations of the landscape architecture profession in Aotearoa’ and offer comment on broader areas of interest.

“Climate change matters, the urban public realm, the new RMA legislation — these are all issues to which the landscape architecture profession makes a significant contribution, and has a vested interest,” says Rachel de Lambert.

“Climate change matters, the urban public realm, the new RMA legislation — these are all issues to which the landscape architecture profession makes a significant contribution, and has a vested interest,” says Rachel de Lambert. “Thinking about significant proposals for infrastructure initiatives — like sustainable energy production, a second or third Waitemata Harbour crossing or Port relocation — it will be good for members of this group to come together, where desirable seek wider member or relevant expert comments, and formulate a timely response on behalf of our profession, as is already the case with many other Institutes.”

Additionally, John Potter takes up the role of the NZILA Panel Chair for Registration, having served as Deputy Chair for two years.

“It’s a very rewarding aspect of the profession to be involved with,” says John. “Along with ensuring that we Landscape Architects hold ourselves to a high standard and continue to evolve our expectations of competency in response to changes in the world we work in; it’s also about helping people progress forward in their career and providing the support they need to acquire the skills and experience required to achieve a significant professional accreditation.”

Dr Ian Boothroyd has been appointed to the University of Canterbury advisory board for its newly-launched Environmental Science (Hons) degree. In extending the invitation, James Shulmeister, Head of School of Earth and Environment, noted that “… we are looking to establish an external advisory board to help us maintain strong links to key stakeholders and to advise us on the sectoral needs and desires. You have been recommended as a strong voice in this area…”

The degree is the first 4-year specialist undergraduate degree in environmental science to be offered in New Zealand.

“Environmental Science is the study of human interaction with the natural world — and the impacts that this interaction has,” says Ian. “While ecology focuses on understanding the natural world – ecosystems and how they function”.

“I taught a post-graduate course in Environmental Science at the University of Auckland for about ten years, and it’s very gratifying to see that this subject is now offered as a degree in its own right. Humans are — for better or worse — the most impactful species on the planet right now; and it’s essential that we develop a better understanding of the effects of our actions on the natural world.”