What are our best new, altered and heritage buildings? New Zealand Institute of Architects’ national 2025 winners announced

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 ArchitectsBNZ Place by JasmaxStrip Mall by Spacecraft Architects

Education

Inside Hiwa, the University of Auckland’s recreation centre. Photo / Property CouncilAUT Tukutuku by JasmaxHiwa University of Auckland Recreation and Wellness Centre by Warren and Mahoney Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design TorontoNgā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown ArchitectsSimon Neale at Hiwa today. Photo / Dean Purcell

Enduring architecture

Adam Art Gallery (1999) by Athfield ArchitectsCraig House (1998) by Thom Craig ArchitectsTabak 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 BrownChapel of the Upper Room – renovations and strengthening by Wilkie + Bruce Registered ArchitectsTe Ruamātatoru – He Whata Kai by Dalgleish ArchitectsTe Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery by Warren and Mahoney Architects

Hospitality

Hierarchy Group won a national award for Sugarloaf at Flockhill. Photo / Dennis RadermacherSugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy GroupTe Mānia by Stevens Lawson Architects

Housing

Bush Block by Patchwork ArchitectureKaka Pod by Rafe Maclean ArchitectsOpenfield House by Keshaw McArthur in association with Matheson Whiteley (UK)Popadich House by Davor Popadich ArchitectsPopadich House was a national award winner. Photo / Sam Harnett

Housing, alterations and additions

Alberon by Jack McKinney ArchitectsBerhampore Perimeter House by Studio MylaWainui 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 OxenhamCatalina Bay Apartments by Architectus

Planning and urban design

George Street, Dunedin Retail Quarter by JasmaxTe Ara Pekapeka by Edwards White Architects in association with BBO

Public architecture

Punangairi Visitor Centre by Sheppard & Rout ArchitectsTe Āhuru Mōwai by architecture +Te Āhuru Mōwai in Whanganui – its architects won a national award. Photo / NZME

Small projects

The Karanga Plaza changing sheds in the Wynyard Quarter, designed by Pac Studio. Photo / Samuel HartnettBB House by Upoko ArchitectsKaranga Changing Sheds by Pac StudioWalker Box by Micah / Architecture

Named awards

Interior of the Popadich House, which won a Te Kāhu Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects’ award. Photo / Sam HarnettNgā Mokopuna by Tennent Brown ArchitectsPopadich House by Davor Popadich ArchitectsPunangairi Visitor Centre by Sheppard & Rout ArchitectsStrip 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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