How do we protect heritage landscapes?
Projects
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Avebury House Garden, Christchurch (2024)
Assessment to guide and protect a nineteenth century English-style garden setting, with expansive lawns and large deciduous trees.
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Magazine Bay, Lyttelton Harbour (2024)
Assessment and guidance to protect historic elements of a 1877 public domain above Magazine Bay prior to landscape design. The bay contains a gun emplacement and magazine, once used for ammunition storage.
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Pūtarikamotu Riccarton Bush, Christchurch (2023)
Comprehensive heritage landscape assessment of the area surrounding Pūtarikamotu Riccarton Bush.
Evaluate the historic significance of this Outstanding Natural Feature and to act as an expert witness for Council as part of Council’s Plan Change 14.
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Fyffe Historic Area, Kaikōura (2023)
Heritage landscape and visual assessment, assisting Council to sensitively integrate a pedestrian path and cycleway into this historic landscape.
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Ilam Gardens, Christchurch (2023)
Ilam Gardens contains nationally significant vegetation with the earliest planting established during the 1850s. The gardens faced potential impact from a tall building proposed adjacent to the site.
Evaluate the potential visual effects of the proposal on the Gardens and identify appropriate mitigating factors.
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St James Station, Hurunui (2023)
Identify heritage landscape features and the future of mature exotic tree species on the site.
Provide guidance on future landscape treatment and interpretation for what was one of the largest operating cattle and sheep stations in New Zealand, dating back to 1862.
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Bridle Path & Setting, Christchurch (2023)
A landscape conservation plan to protect and manage this historic 1850 track which provided access for the first European settlers from Lyttelton to Christchurch.
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HMNZS Steadfast, Banks Peninsula (2022)
Research and policy to protect and conserve this mid-20th century military defence landscape in the spectacular setting of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour.
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Te Whare Waiututu Kate Sheppard Garden (2022)
Strategy and guidance towards how best to protect and manage significant elements of this historic garden - the original owner was pioneering suffragist, Kate Shepherd.
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Godley Statue & Plot, Christchurch (2022)
Identify and protect this 1873 reserve and independent space within Cathedral Square.
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William Sutton House Garden, Christchurch (2021)
Protect the historic layout of this mid-century garden and guide future garden design at the former home of celebrated Aotearoa landscape and portrait painter, William Sutton.
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Latimer and Cranmer Squares, Christchurch (2021)
Research and identify significant nineteenth-century elements of Latimer and Cranmer Squares, in order to protect their authenticity and integrity.
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Whiti-reia Cathedral Square & Setting, Christchurch (2021)
Assess and identify the significance of Cathedral Square, which includes the Maltese Cross shaped ‘edge’ and open spaces that surround Christ Church Cathedral.
Prepare a landscape conservation plan to help maintain the unique spatial integrity that has defined this place for over 150 years.
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Tōtara Estate, Oamaru (2021)
Identify and assess the unique landscape features of Tōtara Estate, highlighting its pivotal role in New Zealand's frozen meat industry.
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Hagley Park Bridge Setting, Christchurch (2021)
Assess the Victorian-era setting of Hagley Park Bridge within Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Identify and protect key elements such as the Ōtākaro Avon River, avenue of mature trees, pathways, and views, highlighting the setting's role in connecting people to 19th-century landscape values.
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Governor's Bay Culvert & Setting, Lyttelton Harbour (2021)
Evaluate the key elements of the scenic foreshore setting of an historic culvert.
Guidance towards preservation and management of the stream, seawalls, coastline, native vegetation, and views to and from the historic culvert ensure the protection of this unique environment.
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Halswell Quarry, Christchurch (2015)
Assess and protect important historic features of the Halswell Quarry landscape. Identify its crucial role in the development of early Christchurch buildings and roads.
The Quarry's buildings and stone walls serve as landmarks and are visually connected by their shared construction materials.
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Te Papa Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct, Christchurch (2012-14)
Heritage landscape assessment and design guidance for a 3km stretch of the river through Christchurch’s central city.
Ensure Pākehā European culture and heritage is celebrated and woven sensitively with Ngāi Tahu narratives through both concept and developed design.
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Dame Ngaio Marsh Garden, Christchurch (2013)
Identify and assess the significance of early Canterbury plantings, including a historic shelter belt that posed a safety risk to the house and public safety.
Recommend removing mature trees while protecting the house and 1950s constructed elements that define the garden’s layout as used by Ngaio Marsh.
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Takapūneke, Banks Peninsula (2010)
Identify how the Banks Peninsula landscape contributes to the significance of Takapūneke, a former kāinga, thriving harakeke trading site and unfortified Māori Village.
The volcanic landform, regenerating native forest, patterns of pastoral farming, and views into and out of the site all contribute to the natural and historic values of Takapūneke.
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Grubb Cottage Garden, Lyttelton (2011)
Identify key elements of one of the earliest settler gardens in Lyttelton and wider Christchurch.
The site’s topography, relict orchard species, and remnant garden bed patterns highlight the garden’s role as a subsistence settler garden and reflect the late 19th-century focus on beautifying home gardens in Canterbury.
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Tautahi Pā / The Bricks, Christchurch (2009)
Evaluate the heritage landscape significance of ‘The Bricks’, an early landing point for European settlers, as a place of occupation for Canterbury Association Surveyors and Christchurch's first trade entrance.
The site is located within the area of Tautahi Pā, a kainga established by Ngāi Tahu chief Tautahi in the 18th century.
About
Kia ora, I’m Wendy Hoddinott, a heritage landscape architect with 18 years experience in cultural and heritage landscapes across Aotearoa. I care deeply about protecting the stories, history and unique character of the places that matter most to our communities.
For me, heritage research feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s about unearthing the stories, histories, and values that make a place unique—and then finding ways to keep those stories alive for future generations.
Over the years, I’ve worked closely with iwi, as well as local and central government, to protect and celebrate some of Aotearoa’s most cherished landscapes.
One project I’m particularly proud of is my work on the Cranmer and Latimer Square Conservation Plans in Christchurch. I assessed the Squares’ condition and crafted strategies to protect their historic character, aligning their conservation with the Council’s vision for vibrant, meaningful public spaces.
I enjoy tackling complex challenges and find practical solutions that respect a place’s heritage while planning for its future. My goal is always to create clear, actionable plans that balance preservation with modern needs.
Every project is a chance to celebrate the connection between culture, history and design. I’m dedicated to helping these special places thrive, so they can continue to inspire and bring people together for generations to come.