Latest NZRAB News

• Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) Youth Survey3 July 2025

  CAA Youth Survey of architecture students, graduates & early-career professionals now open until 31 July 2025.

  Over 500 responses received to date — there is still time to make your voice heard!

  The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) is pleased to announce that, due to strong engagement and widespread interest, the Youth Survey deadline has been extended by one month. The survey will now remain open until 31 July 2025.

  To date, the survey has received over 500 responses from young architects, students, and emerging professionals across the Commonwealth — reflecting a rich diversity of perspectives from every region. In response to requests for more time and to ensure even broader participation, the CAA is offering this extended window to capture as many voices as possible.

  The CAA Youth Survey seeks to gather insights on the experiences, aspirations, and challenges facing the next generation of architects. These contributions will help shape future policy, education, and training across the Commonwealth’s architectural profession.

  “We are deeply encouraged by the level of engagement so far,” said Hugo Chan, Youth Representative of the CAA. “Extending the deadline allows us to hear from even more young professionals and students, ensuring their ideas and concerns are reflected in the strategies shaping the future of architecture.”

  The responses will be compiled into a report that will inform institutions, policymakers, and professional bodies on how to better support and empower emerging voices in architecture — particularly in the face of shared global challenges such as urbanisation, climate resilience, and equitable development.

  The CAA encourages all eligible participants to take part and to share the survey widely within their networks.

  For further information, please contact Hugo Chan.

• APEC Architect2 July 2025

  Have you considered becoming an APEC Architect?
  
  The APEC Architects' Project facilitates international recognition and mobility within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.
  
  Becoming an APEC Architect streamlines registration in participating economies and increases opportunities for practice and collaboration across borders.
  
  Participating economies include — Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and the United States of America.
  
  This may suit New Zealand architects seeking to expand their practice and professional reach within the Asia-Pacific region.
  
  For further information, email info@nzrab.org.nz.

• Fifth School of Architecture in New Zealand gains accreditation17 June 2025

  At its meeting on 10 June 2025, the New Zealand Registered Architects Board approved the accreditation of Te Kura Matatini ki Otago, Otago Polytechnic’s School of Architecture, Master of Architecture (Professional) programme. The accreditation is for an initial period of three years through until December 2028.

  The qualification will be added to the List of Accredited Architecture Qualifications maintained by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia from whom the Board licenses an agreement to accredit the MArch(Prof) programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  Having an accredited qualification is a requirement for the primary pathway to registration as a NZ-registered architect.

  Otago Polytechnic becomes the fifth school of architecture in New Zealand to gain accreditation, and joins the University of Auckland, Unitec Institute of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, and AUT as the country’s five accredited architecture schools.

  As the only accredited architecture school currently located in Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand, Otago Polytechnic says the recognition helps expand equitable access to architectural education and strengthens the profession through a diversity of regional voices.

  Head of Architecture, Associate Professor Tobias Danielmeier, says the Otago programme represents a bold southern contribution to architectural education, being tectonically focused, place-relevant, as well as culturally grounded.

  “Rooted in Ōtepoti Dunedin, the southernmost school is a champion for place-based architecture. We are committed to equipping graduates with not just design capabilities, but with the tools, technical knowledge, and ethical grounding to shape meaningful futures.”

  The two-year Master’s programme at Otago places strong emphasis on Mātauranga Māori, environmental responsibility, and industry-engaged learning.

  The Board wishes to congratulate the school on their achievement and looks forward to hearing more about the architecture programme’s strengths and future potential.

  A joint release between NZRAB and OP.