How do we build connections between communities and our landscapes, together?
Projects
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Eastern Hills Reservoir - LVA and Expert Evidence, Lower Hutt (2022 - 2024)
Prepare a landscape and visual assessment (LVA) and Expert Evidence for Wellington Water towards a proposed water reservoir in Lower Hutt.
Project completed with WSP.
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'Streets for People' Design Jam, Christchurch (2023)
Prepare methodology and lead co-design workshops with Aranui tamariki. Enabled local streetscape design to deliver safer and more people-friendly streets that meet children’s needs, as well as their wider community.
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens Entrance (2023)
Welcoming entrance to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, connecting the Peacock Fountain in the Gardens to the Arts Centre entrance.
Project completed while with WSP.
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Place Cadets - Te Kōmanawa Rowley School, Christchurch (2023)
Design and lead a child-centred co-design and build project with Year 6 tamariki. Build three structures with the children in their school playground, as part of the school’s technology curriculum.
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Place Cadets at Te Huarahi School, Christchurch (2023)
Design and lead a children’s co-design and build project with Year 2 tamariki. Co-design and build two play structures with the children in their school playground, aligned with the school’s cultural narrative, social studies and art curriculums.
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Akaroa Catholic Cemetery Extension (2023 - 2024)
Sensitive cemetery design for an extension to an historic and regionally significant cemetery, where many early pioneers who were instrumental in the establishment of Banks Peninsula are buried.
Project completed while with WSP.
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Greening the East Development Plan, Christchurch (2021)
Guide the development and enhancement of green spaces within the Inner City East suburbs of Christchurch - a document containing specific actions to address the lack of green space and tree coverage in the neighbourhood.
Actions were approved for submission in the Christchurch City Council’s Long Term Plan.
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Place Cadets: Exploring Design Thinking (2020)
A two-week child-centred co-design and build project with the Phillipstown Community.
NZILA Category Winner 2022 - He Iti Pounamu (Small but Significant Value)
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Linwood Village Streetscape Enhancement, Christchurch (2020)
Develop a community-led co-design process to enable the Inner City East community to meaningfully participate in the enhancement of the Linwood Village streetscape.
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Re-imagining Doris Lusk Reserve, Christchurch (2019)
Facilitate working party and co-design project with the Inner City East community for the design and install of a children’s interactive play sculpture at Doris Lusk Reserve.
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Te Repo o Orariki, Taumutu, Waitaha Canterbury (2014)
Landscape concept to re-establish wetland and complement the original pa site at Taumutu - a network of winding creeks with boardwalks, mahinga kai species and habitat for tuna, inanga and other locally important fish species.
Project completed while with Opus.
About
Welcome! I’m Wendy Hoddinott, a registered landscape architect dedicated to creating meaningful connections between people and the places they live
I focus on thoughtful, innovative design to shape spaces that inspire belonging, build community, and respect heritage and the environment.
Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects—from large and small-scale public spaces and ecological restoration, to heritage and cultural landscapes. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with councils, schools, and communities on co-design initiatives that prioritise inclusivity and empower people to take ownership of their spaces.
My approach is holistic, ensuring every project reflects the unique stories, needs, and aspirations of the people it’s for.
In 2018, I completed a PhD that transformed how I approach design. My research showed that the best results come when communities are involved in the creative process. By fostering collaboration and mutual learning, I help create places that are regenerative, deeply meaningful and enduring.
I’ve brought these insights to life in a range of urban space projects, including Place Cadets, an innovative design initiative involving children and youth. This project earned a category win at the 2022 NZILA Awards and reflects my commitment to empowering the next generation to shape the spaces they’ll inherit.
Client feedback
“Wendy was a pleasure to work with throughout the entire project. We had a wide variety of stakeholders and her ability to listen to and understand all the different perspectives was commendable - it shows in what Wendy delivered. Those involved were impressed with the outcome and Wendy enhanced the project by achieving multiple objectives.”
Selena Robertson, Christchurch City Council Project Manager
“So great to see children involved … a great community building exercise and nice to give them a sense of ownership of the outcome. Love the design!”
Urbankind Studio
“Everybody thought this project was spectacular … You were approachable in your manner with the kids and open to following where they led. I think that’s really what hooked our kids in.”
Graeme Norman, Te Kōmanawa Rowley School Principal
"Wendy listens carefully, capturing people’s thoughts and ideas through creative, meaningful participation, reaching people who are not easily engaged by traditional methods of consultation.”
Jenny Smith, Te Whare Roimata Trust - Community Organisation