The Awards, held by Te Kāhui Whaihanga—New Zealand Institute of Architects, celebrate design excellence at a community level, showcasing the work of Aotearoa’s leading architects. Projects are judged on criteria such as relationship to site and context, use of light, colour, materials, construction details, environmental performance, and their contribution to both architectural innovation and the human spirit.
Te Pātaka Toi, designed by Athfield Architects, received the Enduring Architecture Award.
Once a service space between university buildings, the country’s first purpose-built university art gallery opened in 1999. Inside, the gallery spaces vary in scale and light, creating a unique space which supports a wide range of exhibitions—from smaller installations to larger projects.
Judges said the “form and materials stand as an artwork in themselves”, and that even years after its completion, “the building remains as fresh and relevant as ever—a testament to its visionary design, and a deserving recipient of this award.”
Director Abby Cunnane says, “It is uplifting to see our gallery recognised with an award for enduring excellence—it isn’t the first time the building has received awards, but this is very special. It speaks to how this well-loved building continues to serve our local community and the wider art scene, while remaining a singularly beautiful space.”
Te Pātaka Toi continues to contribute to our capital’s art scene by showcasing world-class exhibitions. While Te Pātaka Toi was honoured for its lasting impact, Ngā Mokopuna looks to the future while deepening the vision first laid down decades ago, strengthening the cultural and architectural legacy of the marae and wharenui, first established in the 1980s.
Designed by Tennet Brown Architects with future generations in mind, the building embeds principles of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga into educational spaces at Te Herenga Waka. Award judges described Ngā Mokopuna as more than a building—calling it “a profound statement of commitment to the future, a tangible embodiment of cultural values, and an inspiring benchmark for sustainable design in Aotearoa and beyond.”
They praised its deep engagement with the spatial and cultural context of the adjacent marae, and the fact it is currently undergoing certification to meet Living Building standards. The project, they said, “weaves together narratives with unwavering sustainable intent” and stands as “a testament to meticulous consideration.”
“We are delighted to see these buildings awarded for the way in which they add to our local context. Together, these award-winning buildings showcase the University’s relationship with space—anchoring the University in the cultural and architectural landscape of Te Whanganui-a-Tara,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori and Kaitiakitanga) Professor Rawinia Higgins.
“Te Pātaka Toi and Ngā Mokopuna not only embody the past and future of our campus, but the city’s identity as a hub of creativity, learning, and innovation. Beyond the walls of our campus, the awards continue to highlight the distinct built environment with makes our capital stand out as a blend of history, bold thinking, and human ingenuity.”
Both buildings are now finalists in the New Zealand Architecture Awards, held later this year.