68 | Luijten Landscaping T T Russell Fredric Creating distinctive outdoor spaces The vibrant redevelopment of Otāhuhu Primary School’s free play area won the Premier Commercial Build Award. CONTRACTING When it comes to recognition, 2025 has been Luijten Landscaping’s most celebrated year yet. Based in Drury, Auckland, the company has achieved an extraordinary milestone, taking home seven Golds and two Premier Awards at this year’s Registered Master Landscapers ‘Landscapes of Distinction Awards’. Among the awards, one standout was for Best Residential & Commercial Design Project of the Year. This honour was awarded for a beautifully finessed Orewa sub-tropical retreat, which also received Gold for both design and build in the Residential Build up to $250,000 and Residential Design up to 500 m² categories. Showcasing the breadth of the team’s expertise, Luijten Landscaping also claimed the Premier Commercial Build Award for its vibrant redevelopment of Otāhuhu Primary School’s free play area. This technically ambitious project, celebrated for both its scale and creativity, also took Gold in Commercial Build over $500,000 and Commercial Design up to 2,000m². Luijten Landscaping director Greg Dreyer says the development of the free play area has positively impacted on student engagement and attendance, “that to us makes it all worth it”. Adding to the awards haul, the Constellation Garden at Manurewa Intermediate School was recognised with Gold in Commercial Build up to $500,000. The celestial-inspired garden balances striking hardscape elements with lush planting, creating a dynamic and inspiring educational space. For the Luijten team, the awards night was nothing short of a pinnacle moment. “It felt like climbing Everest,” Greg says. “When we reached the top, everyone was ecstatic. This has truly been our best year ever, and it’s all thanks to the amazing people we have in the field, in design, and across the business. We’re a team that genuinely believes in what we do.” Behind every award is a team of 30 dedicated staff delivering the full spectrum of landscaping services. From initial consultation and concept development through to 3D working drawings, construction and planting, Luijten Landscaping provides a seamless and professional process. At its Drury base, a purpose-built showroom helps clients choose the right materials, whether it be paving, decking, lighting, or finishes. Alongside this, the company maintains its own plant nursery, ensuring quality and availability, while also partnering with trusted nationwide suppliers when projects demand specific varieties or large volumes. “We specialise in complex builds – the projects not everyone can take on. But at the same time, our clients are anyone looking for landscaping. We don’t say no. Whether it’s simple or highly complex, every project gets the same care and commitment to quality.” “We have a strong sense of family and teamwork, staff enjoy an environment where collaboration, growth, and pride in craftsmanship are central. The result is high staff retention and a shared passion for creating inspired outdoor spaces”. Founded in 2000 by Robert and Ellis Luijten, the business has grown steadily, earning a reputation for premium quality and innovation. Greg, who joined in 2013, became owner in 2021 after a carefully planned succession process. Together with his wife Keryn, he continues to honour the company’s legacy while driving it forward with fresh energy. A key part of that future is training and development. Luijten Landscaping actively mentors apprentices under Primary ITO, with staff either holding formal landscaping qualifications or working towards their next level. With a string of national awards, a skilled and passionate team, and a culture built on integrity and excellence, the firm is proud to be shaping inspired outdoor spaces. 021 786 632 / 09 294 7448 josh@stonecreations.co.nz stonecreations.co.nz where thinking powers business CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS + BUSINESS ADVISORS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS + BUSINESS ADVISORS Accoun t i ng & Taxa t i on Bus i ness Adv i sor y Xe ro Se t up & Suppor t Engine Room Chartered Accountants provide strategic accountancy + business advisory services to excel business growth and performance. 0800 2 ENGINE | 0800 236 446 engineroomca.co.nz New Zealand’s Artificial Turf Specialists. Proudly supporting Luijten Landscaping 0800 426 366 www.gameonturf.co.nz
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