Simon Neale outside Hiwa, the University of Auckland's new recreation centre today. Photo / Dean Purcell
Simon Neale outside Hiwa, the University of Auckland's new recreation centre today. Photo / Dean Purcell
The architects who designed changing sheds at a new Auckland waterfront swimming venue, apartments on the waterfront at Hobsonville Point and the University of Auckland’s new Hiwa sports centre took national awards today.
New Zealand’s top architects have been named, as the winners of the 2025 Te Kāhui Whaihanga NewZealand Institute of Architecture awards were announced.
They range from those who designed a large apartment development to humble orange container-like poolside changing sheds.
All up, 29 awards were presented in 11 categories at an event at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
In the heritage category, the winners included a large-scale and long-term renovation project at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui by Warren and Mahoney Architects – but also a reconstructed pātaka kai by Dalgleish Architects, and a landmark renewal of the Chapel of the Upper Room in Christchurch by Wilkie + Bruce Registered Architects.
Craig Moller of Moller Architects was the convenor of the jury panel.
Architect Craig Moller of Moller Architects. Photo / Babiche Martens
“We had especially strong projects in the heritage and small project categories this year, which was a pleasure to see and made our job as a jury even more challenging,” Moller said.
The Karanga changing sheds at the Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, Auckland by Pac Studio won a small project award.
It was built with panels made of 100% recycled plastic, which the judges said showcased the potential of architectural projects to influence sustainability.
The Karanga changing sheds at the Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour were recognised in the awards. Photo / Corey Fleming
The winners were chosen from a shortlist of 61 projects.
All projects had won local awards from eight regions earlier this year.
Changing sheds for "Brownie's Pool", Karanga Plaza in the Wynyard Quarter, designed by Pac Studio. Photo / Samuel Hartnett
Commercial
BNZ Place, BNZ's newly completed building in central Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
303 Remuera Rd by Fearon Hay Architects
BNZ Place by Jasmax
Strip Mall by Spacecraft Architects
Education
Inside Hiwa, the University of Auckland's recreation centre. Photo / Property Council
AUT Tukutuku by Jasmax
Hiwa University of Auckland Recreation and Wellness Centre by Warren and Mahoney Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design Toronto
Ngā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown Architects
Simon Neale at Hiwa today. Photo / Dean Purcell
Enduring architecture
Adam Art Gallery (1999) by Athfield Architects
Craig House (1998) by Thom Craig Architects
Tabak House (1984) by Sheppard & Rout Architects
Heritage
Whanganui's redeveloped Sarjeant Gallery has recorded more than 130,000 visitors as its one-year anniversary nears. Photo / Alanah Brown
Chapel of the Upper Room – renovations and strengthening by Wilkie + Bruce Registered Architects
Te Ruamātatoru – He Whata Kai by Dalgleish Architects
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery by Warren and Mahoney Architects
Hospitality
Hierarchy Group won a national award for Sugarloaf at Flockhill. Photo / Dennis Radermacher
Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy Group
Te Mānia by Stevens Lawson Architects
Housing
Bush Block by Patchwork Architecture
Kaka Pod by Rafe Maclean Architects
Openfield House by Keshaw McArthur in association with Matheson Whiteley (UK)
Popadich House by Davor Popadich Architects
Popadich House was a national award winner. Photo / Sam Harnett
Housing, alterations and additions
Alberon by Jack McKinney Architects
Berhampore Perimeter House by Studio Myla
Wainui Church Conversion by Warren in association with Mahoney Architects and Objects
Housing, multi-unit
Developer Willis Bond's managing director David McGuinness at Catalina Bay apartments at Hobsonville Point last year. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Catalina Bay Apartments by Architectus
Planning and urban design
George Street, Dunedin Retail Quarter by Jasmax
Te Ara Pekapeka by Edwards White Architects in association with BBO
Public architecture
Punangairi Visitor Centre by Sheppard & Rout Architects
Te Āhuru Mōwai by architecture +
Small projects
The Karanga Plaza changing sheds in the Wynyard Quarter, designed by Pac Studio. Photo / Samuel Hartnett
BB House by Upoko Architects
Karanga Changing Sheds by Pac Studio
Walker Box by Micah / Architecture
Named awards
Interior of the Popadich House, which won a Te Kāhu Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects' award. Photo / Sam Harnett
Ngā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown Architects
Popadich House by Davor Popadich Architects
Punangairi Visitor Centre by Sheppard & Rout Architects
Strip Mall by Spacecraft Architects
Anne Gibson has been the Herald‘s property editor for 25 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.
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