to promote excellence in architecture, the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge relating to architecture, ethical conduct in practice and the interests of the profession in Aotearoa and overseas
to advance the study and practice of architecture
to improve and elevate the technical and general knowledge of persons engaged in, or about to engage in, the practice of architecture
to hold and promote competitions and to give prizes, certificates and other awards to promote excellence in architecture
to bring before government authorities, public and other bodies, any matters affecting architecture and architects
to amalgamate, combine, confer or act in conjunction with other professional organisations that share similar objectives to those of the Institute
Who we are
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membership-based professional organisation that represents registered architects and promotes architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Institute has around 4000 members, comprising registered architects, architectural graduates, architecture students, academics and retired architects.
The Institute was established in 1905, then reformed under The Architects Act in 1963, divesting regulatory functions to the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). Later, the Institute became an incorporated society and in 2019 was gifted its te reo Māori name, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
The Institute represents more than 90 per cent of all registered architects in Aotearoa. Through our members, we are committed to promoting and celebrating outstanding architecture and to increasing awareness of the benefits that well-designed buildings and public spaces bring to our lives.
Members have access to a wide range of valuable Institute resources, including:
- professional development programmes
- key documents such as Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Conditions of Contract and Agreement for Architects Services
- updates on new building legislation, codes and quality management programmes
- internationally recognised environmental policy
One of the Institute’s membership categories is specific to practices, which must accept and comply with the following rules:
- Practices will strive to ensure they are competent to deal effectively with duties undertaken and maintain and extend their competence.
- Practices will have architecture as their core business, or a core component of it, and a Principal will be an Institute member.
- All Architect Principals will be Institute members and all architectural work will be the responsibility of an Institute Architect.
- Practices will undertake continuing education and training.
Practices will accept peer review in the event of a complaint.
The public is invited to contact the Institute to discuss any areas of interest or concern about architecture or architects. Our contact details are here.
The Institute is supported by Resene Paints, GIB® and Architectural Profiles Limited. Support is also sought for particular events and conferences, particularly those with Continuing Professional Development accreditation. Contact us for more information.
What we do
Through activities and initiatives, the Institute promotes the positive contribution that architects make to shaping the built environment in Aotearoa.
In designing the places where we live, work and play, Institute members cooperate and collaborate with local and national government to improve the quality of our lived experience.
The Institute has prepared substantial submissions to government on civic planning and proposed policy changes. Our cities and towns all face their own particular problems and the Institute wants to be part of the solution. Members regularly serve on urban design panels, which has a discernible effect on building quality.
The Institute prepares graduates for registration and maintains close relationships with the country’s schools of architecture and related professions and professional organisations in Aotearoa and overseas. It administers an extensive Continuing Professional Development programme to educate and upskill architects.
Through events, such as the Aotearoa Festival of Architecture, the Institute promotes public awareness of architecture and urban design. It facilitates design competitions and runs an awards programme to raise the standard of architecture and foster a stronger design culture in Aotearoa.
Te Kāhui Whaihanga is governed by a Board comprising its President, Chief Executive and Councillors elected by the Institute’s branches. The organisation’s staff are based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
