NZIA

The New Zealand Institute of Architects represents more than 90 percent of all registered Architects in New Zealand. It is a professional body supporting the needs of its members through a range of services. But it also has another role; it is committed to promoting architecture which enhances the living environment of all New Zealanders.

To this end, the Institute maintains productive links with the building industry, government and the wider community, ensuring that the value of good architecture and the range of skills which architects can provide are at the forefront of public awareness.

The Awards Programme

The annual architectural awards programme organised by the Institute (supported by Resene Paints) is perhaps the most visible proof of its commitment to raising the profile of Architecture and Architects' services. Awards are made at 'Local', 'New Zealand' and 'Supreme New Zealand' level based on criteria allowing for a wide variety of buildings and circumstances.

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development is mandatory for all Architect and NZIA Practice members of the Institute. Subjects for continuing education include design, practice, and other issues relevant to the concerns of clients and the wider community. Further information about Continuing Professional development is available from the Institute's office.

The Institute also provides support to members through papers on topical practice issues, political advocacy, links with architectural education bodies, conferences, a chat list and regular newsletters.

The Institute's monthly newsletter Cross Section provides a forum for members to exchange ideas and raise issues of concern and interest. It also acts as an important communication vehicle for the NZIA Council. Its journal, Architecture New Zealand, is published by AGM every two months.

Established 1905

First established in 1905, the Institute was later reformed under the Architects Act 1963 which split its previous functions in two: the New Zealand Institute of Architects became the professional organisation for Architects, and the regulatory functions transferred to the Architects Education and Registration Board (AERB). The Institute has since elected to become an incorporated society (like many other building industry professional organisations), giving it the flexibility to identify and expand its range of activities and membership base.

Objects

The objects of the Institute include:

• To promote excellence in architecture, the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge relating to architecture, ethical conduct in the practice of architecture and the interests of the profession of architecture in New Zealand and overseas.
• To advance the study and practice of architecture.
• To improve and elevate the technical and general knowledge of persons engaged in, or about to engage in the practice of architecture.
• To hold and promote competitions and to give prizes, certificates and other awards to promote excellence in architecture.
• To bring before government authorities, public and other bodies any matters affecting architecture and architects.
• To amalgamate, or combine, or confer, or act temporarily or otherwise in conjunction with any other professional body or bodies, institutes or institutions having objects similar to those of the Institute.

Membership

The NZIA has around 3000 members. Approximately fifty per cent of these are registered Architects working in New Zealand. New Zealand Architects working overseas, Architectural graduates who are not yet registered, Architecture students, technicians teachs of architecture and retired Architects make up the balance of members.

NZIA Practices

One of the Institute's membership categories is specific to practices who must accept and comply with the following five rules:

1. NZIA Practices will strive to ensure that they are competent to deal effectively with duties undertaken and maintain and extend their competence.
2. NZIA Practices will have architecture as their core business or a core component of it and a Principal will be an NZIA member.
3. All Architect Principals of NZIA Practices will be NZIA members and all architectural work will be the responsibility of an NZIA Architect.
4. NZIA Practices will undertake continuing education and training.
5. NZIA Practices will accept peer review in the event of a complaint.

Partners in Industry

The NZIA is supported by Resene Paints and by AGM Publishing who print and distribute Cross Section and the Directory of NZIA Practices on behalf of the Institute. Support is also sought for particular events and conferences, particularly those with Continuing Professional Development accreditation.

The Public and the NZIA

The public are invited to contact the Institute at any time to discuss any areas of interest or concern to them about architecture or Architects.