News from NZIA
Twenty-four architectural projects from across Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast have been deemed the very best in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Local Awards this year, spanning a range of projects from world-leading sustainable buildings to Category 1 heritage restorations.

In the Education category, Ngā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown Architects (top photo) was recognised by the jury for creating a building that is also “a profound statement of commitment to the future.” Seamlessly weaving Māori cultural elements with world-leading sustainability features, Ngā Mokopuna is undergoing certification to become one of just 34 buildings globally that meet Living Building standards.

Heritage projects were represented strongly this year, with three awards in the category. The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Restoration by TEAM Architects Wellington Ltd and Paul Cummack Conservation in association was a highly technical project that included seismic upgrades, moisture remediation, and fabric repairs in restoring the Category 1 historic place.

“This year’s winners reflect the best of Wellington’s architectural spirit — generous, grounded, and full of heart,” says jury convenor and architect Ben Jagersma of First Light Studio. “From buildings that quietly regenerate and restore, to small homes that feel abundant, to places that uplift some of our most vulnerable, these projects go beyond good design. They show us how architecture can transform lives, celebrate place, and imagine a better future.”

On the Kāpiti Coast in Paraparaumu, the Manly street beach house by architecture + was recognised by the jury in the Housing – Alterations and Additions category for a sensitive renovation that breathed new life into a family beach house. The design acknowledges the history of the property while adding new elements including an elevated deck, sculptural stairs and entry porch.

In the Public Architecture category, Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness by Architecture HDT took out an award for creating a fitness facility that also serves as a community gathering place with strong sustainability credentials. The facility has achieved Green Star 5 certification and reused 80% of the demolition materials in its construction, as in the reclaimed floorboards that subtly reference the history of the original pool.

The Adam Art Gallery (1999) by Athfield Architects and Majestic Centre (1991) by Jasmax and Manning & Associates received Enduring Architecture Awards this year.

Jagersma was joined on the jury by Marc Woodbury (Studio Pacific Architecture), Raphaela Rose (ahha), Ruby Somerville (Cheshire Architects) and lay juror Andy Spain.

The winners received their awards tonight at an event at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Full list of 2025 Wellington Architecture Awards winners by category:

Education

Sacred Heart College – Mission House by Robertson Architects (Lower Hutt)
Ngā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown Architects (Wellington)

Heritage

Massey House by architecture + (Wellington)*
Te Mako – Naenae Community Centre by Architecture HDT (Naenae)
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Restoration by TEAM Architects Wellington Ltd and Paul Cummack Conservation in association (Wellington)*

Housing

Maupuia by Makers of Architecture (Wellington)
The Crescent by Makers of Architecture (Wellington)
Steph’s House by Patchwork Architecture (Wellington)

Housing – Alterations and Additions

Fairhall House by a.k.a Architecture (Wellington)
Manly street beach house by architecture + (Paraparaumu)*
Yopp House by Craig & Coltart Architects (Lower Hutt)
Berhampore Perimeter House by STUDIO MYLA (Wellington)
Raffills House by Wallace Architects (Wellington)

Housing – Multi Unit

Epuni by Isthmus (Lower Hutt)
Te Ō by Solari Architects (Wellington)

Interior Architecture

JB Morrison Lawyers Wellington by Athfield Architects (Wellington)

Kowtow Head Office & Atelier by Makers of Architecture (Wellington)

Public Architecture

Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness by Architecture HDT (Lower Hutt)
Te Kupenga o Rongomai: Maidstone Sports Hub by S&T Architects (Upper Hutt)
Whakamaru by Three Line Studio (Wellington)

Small Project Architecture

Walker Box by Micah / Architecture (Wellington)
BB House by Upoko Architects (Wellington)*

Enduring Architecture

The Adam Art Gallery (1999) by Athfield Architects (Wellington)
The Majestic Centre (1991) by Jasmax and Manning & Associates (Wellington)

Note: * denotes Resene Colour Award winners.

About Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membership-based professional organisation that represents more than 90 percent of registered architects in Aotearoa and promotes architecture across the country. First established in 1905, the Institute currently has more than 4,000 members. Approximately 50 percent are registered architects working in New Zealand, with the balance of membership made up of New Zealand architects working overseas, architectural graduates, architecture students, teachers of architecture and retired architects.

About the awards:
The Local Architecture Awards is a peer-reviewed programme run by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects in association with Resene and APL. Visit the website for more details.