2015 President’s Awards
Metro Magazine editor Simon Wilson receives a President's award at the 2015 New Zealand Architecture Awards
Photo by David St. George
In 2015, the following people and groups received NZIA President’s Awards:
Julie Stout
Julie's fearless engagement with City Hall and the Ports Company, and the attendant court battles, is strong evidence of the moral and political authority that comes when researched argument and intelligent reasoning are brought to bear on behalf of the community’s better interests. Julie’s strong articulation of the long-term consequence of politically and commercially expedient decisions has been a clear and strong voice where others whom we might expect to protect our city have failed.
Barry Copeland
Barry has been at the forefront of a robust and truculent call to arms in the protection of the Waitemata Harbour. He has been one arm of architects’ engagement in this very public debate – the gathering of popular support at the barricades. Barry is proof positive that action motivated by the common good, and free of self-interest, is a potent agent for change – an example that we might all consider.
Aaron Paterson, Courtney Kitchen and Andrew Barrie
All thoughtfully debated and argued through to realisation an interesting assembly of speakers for the 2015 NZIA conference. All who attended were inspired, challenged, and just occasionally confused by the speakers – surely the sign of a well-balanced and intelligently assembled conference.
Te Putahi
An organisation that brings together a number of restless strands of architecture and design that in their own ways have each brought a humanising face to the often cold-blooded and distant bureaucracy that drives much of Christchurch’s rebuilding. Activities have ranged from small intimate acts, such as reclaiming a corner of that shattered city, to large public festivals restating the critical importance of regaining and occupying public space in the city.
Simon Wilson
Simon’s editing of Metro magazine has been marked by a strong belief in the critical role that the Fourth Estate has in city-making. Through his commissioned and self-penned essays Simon has championed the city through examination of the political and economic machinations that shape space and buildings, and has challenged those of us engaged in its physical manipulation to do it better.
Rau Hoskins
Rau’s gentle advice has greatly assisted the growing presence of Mãori members and kaupapa Mãori within the Institute. His sensitive commentary and guidance underpinned the highly successful welcome and opening of the New Zealand Exhibition at the 2014 Venice Biennale, and an influential post-Biennale hui bringing together architects, graduates, designers and the Institute. Rau continues to be a catalyst for the greater presence of Mãori in the Institute.