About us
Vistors examine models at ‘Future Islands’, New Zealand’s exhibition at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Photo by David St George
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects – committed to promoting and celebrating outstanding architecture that enhances our cities, towns and natural environments.
New Zealand’s cities and towns all face their own particular problems, and the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) wants to be part of the solution. Through many activities and initiatives, the Institute makes a positive contribution to place-making and city-shaping in New Zealand.
In designing the places and spaces in which New Zealanders live, work and play the NZIA’s members co-operate and collaborate with local and national government to improve the quality of New Zealand’s built environment. With and through its members, the NZIA has prepared substantial submissions on civic planning exercises, such as the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. NZIA members serve on the Urban Design Panels which are, around the country, having a discernible effect on building quality.
Other NZIA activities include the facilitation of design competitions. Properly run competitions are a means to raise the standard of the country’s architecture and foster a stronger design culture. The NZIA also administers an extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to educate and upskill its members and plays a proactive role in preparing architectural graduates for registration. Through a a peer-reviewed awards programme, which sets the benchmark for New Zealand architecture, the NZIA identifies and promotes exemplars of architecture from throughout New Zealand. We stage public events to promote awareness of architecture and urban design, and run a writing competition that encourages Kiwis to think and write about architecture. The NZIA maintains close relationships with the country’s Schools of Architecture and related professions and professional organisations, in New Zealand and abroad.