Diane Menzies

rongowhakaata, aitanga a mahaki
knowledge transfer

Landcult Ltd

Director

As a descendant of Rongowhakaata and Aitanga a Mahaki, my work consistently reflects my deep commitment to Māori cultural values, where I’ve written extensively on Māori relationships with the whenua.

Did you know…

I’m based in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne

I am a New Zealand landscape architect with a career dedicated to advancing environmental and cultural heritage.

My work has taken me through various roles, from Wellington City Council and the Ministry for the Environment to lecturing at Unitec Institute of Technology. I’ve been fortunate to help shape the landscape architecture profession in New Zealand, and my leadership extended globally during my time as president of the International Federation of Landscape Architects from 2006 to 2010, where I advocated for the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in landscape architecture practices worldwide.

I hold a Diploma in Landscape Architecture and a PhD in resource management, both from Lincoln University. I am honoured to be recognised as a Fellow and life member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, and in 2008, I was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for my services to the environment.

In 2018, I was deeply humbled to receive the prestigious Kāhui Whetū status by Ngā Aho for my contributions to Māori and Pasifika design, becoming the first woman to receive this honour. This recognition affirms my dedication to bridging Māori and New Zealand cultural heritage in landscape design, something I hold close to my heart.