* The Registered Architects Act 2005 provides that a Board member continues in office despite the expiry of their term of office until — they are reappointed, or their successor is appointed, or the Minister has advised that neither is to occur.
Tony Orgias, FNZIA, is a registered architect and Director of Orgias Architects Ltd based in Auckland. He has extensive experience in master planning, civic, community and cultural, educational and residential projects. Until recently, Tony has been a NZRAB Assessor and Head Convenor, as well as an expert witness. He has chaired the Auckland Branch of the NZIA and served on the local Branch Awards Panel. He is also chair of De Paul House — a social housing and family support organisation.
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Judith Thompson
Appointed: 1 September 2020
Term expires: 21 November 2025
Judith Thompson is an experienced director with expertise in design, innovation and organisational transformation. As former Director of Design for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Head of Better by Design, Judith has worked closely with both the business and design sectors. She currently works as a consultant and is a Chartered Member of the IOD.
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Louise Wright
Appointed: 18 December 2014
Term expires: 31 August 2023*
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) nominated
Te Arawa (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rangiwewehi), Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Rauhoto), Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Māhaki, Te Aitanga a Hauiti
Louise Wright is a registered architect based in Arrowtown. Her practice, Assembly Architects Ltd is a design-focussed practice delivering mainly residential and boutique commercial projects in the Southern Lakes region. Prior to establishing Assembly with her husband Justin Wright, Louise was an Associate at Athfield Architects in Wellington. Louise is a member of the Jack’s Point Design Review Board, is on the Arrowtown Planning Advisory Group, and is on the NZIA Awards Advisory panel. In 2017 Louise convened the NZIA National Awards Jury, and in 2020 was awarded the Architecture+Women Wirihana Leadership Award.
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Craig O'Connell
Appointed: 17 April 2023
Term expires: 17 April 2028
Craig O’Connell is a Lay member of the Board with an extensive business consulting and governance background. He has experience in the construction sector in both Regulatory and Membership organisations and has many years consulting to, setting up, managing, and governing Regulatory bodies. In his experience, the effectiveness of a Regulatory body is dependent on taking the sector with you along with open and regular dialogue with all stakeholders. He has completed Economics and Psychology degrees.
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David Ivory
Appointed: 17 April 2023
Term expires: 17 April 2028
Dr David Ivory has a background in commerce/law, governance, and education. He works as a Commissioner alongside the Christchurch City Council. He chairs both national and regional boards in the education sector. He is a Trustee of the Rata Foundation and Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a Director of several companies. David also undertakes work in the regulatory space, as a member of both the Medical Council of New Zealand and Te Kaunihera Manapou (Paramedic Council). David holds degrees in Law, Management, Arts, and Education. He enjoys climbing, mountain biking, design, and art.
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Staff
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Dougal McKechnie — Chief Executive
Dougal joined the NZRAB in August 2021. He has a background largely in the public service — in the health, justice and emergency services sectors — where he has led organisations through technology and information management change and transformation. Many of the roles he has held have required managing relationships in complex sectors and across programmes of work, and a deep understanding of the machinery of Government. Previously, he was the Chief Executive of New Zealand Health IT.
dougal@nzrab.org.nz
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Valentina Vassiliadis — Executive Officer Public Protection
Valentina is responsible for managing our complaints and disciplinary procedures, and protection of title matters. She joined NZRAB in November 2022. Valentina has an extensive background in law. Her most recent role was Legal & Special Projects Advisor at the Dental Council — bringing comprehensive knowledge and understanding of professional standards of conduct and regulation for consumer protection.
valentina@nzrab.org.nz
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Jeremy Porima-Bell — Executive Officer Education
Waikato-Tainui, Kāi Tahu
Prior to joining NZRAB in November 2020, Jeremy worked at Victoria University of Wellington for over 20 years. His most recent position was in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation as the Faculty's Academic Programmes & Student Success Coordinator. Jeremy oversees the learning and development programme for the NZRAB, manages the Continuing Professional Development framework, and coordinates the Architecture Programme Accreditation Procedure in New Zealand architecture schools. He is also the NZRAB's first point of contact for any UK ARB Mutual Recognition Agreement enquiries.
jeremy@nzrab.org.nz
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Janice Hunt — Project Manager, Strategic Projects
Janice, ANZIA (Honorary), joined NZRAB in January 2023 to lead the work programmes associated with two strategically important projects NZRAB is undertaking; NSCA 2021 New Zealand Addendum and Registration Reform. She brings her recent experience working for a global technology company which provided digital business learning solutions across a wide range of industries and sectors. Janice was part of the business development team for the APAC region and managed relationships across transformational programmes which contributed to her appreciation of multiple perspectives. She also brings understanding of the architect profession from her previous role with the NZIA. As Director of the Membership Division, Janice had deep involvement in shaping change including reinvigorating the national and branch awards for architecture and establishing enduring sponsorship partnerships within industry.
janice@nzrab.org.nz
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California Moreno — Business Support Officer / Acting Registration Coordinator
california@nzrab.org.nz
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Ashwini Parbhu — Finance Controller
ashwini@nzrab.org.nz
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Sherin de Souza — Operations Manager
sherin@nzrab.org.nz