Latest NZRAB News

• Fifth School of Architecture in New Zealand gains accreditation17 June 2025

  At its meeting on 10 June 2025, the New Zealand Registered Architects Board approved the accreditation of Te Kura Matatini ki Otago, Otago Polytechnic’s School of Architecture, Master of Architecture (Professional) programme. The accreditation is for an initial period of three years through until December 2028.

  The qualification will be added to the List of Accredited Architecture Qualifications maintained by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia from whom the Board licenses an agreement to accredit the MArch(Prof) programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  Having an accredited qualification is a requirement for the primary pathway to registration as a NZ-registered architect.

  Otago Polytechnic becomes the fifth school of architecture in New Zealand to gain accreditation, and joins the University of Auckland, Unitec Institute of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, and AUT as the country’s five accredited architecture schools.

  As the only accredited architecture school currently located in Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand, Otago Polytechnic says the recognition helps expand equitable access to architectural education and strengthens the profession through a diversity of regional voices.

  Head of Architecture, Associate Professor Tobias Danielmeier, says the Otago programme represents a bold southern contribution to architectural education, being tectonically focused, place-relevant, as well as culturally grounded.

  “Rooted in Ōtepoti Dunedin, the southernmost school is a champion for place-based architecture. We are committed to equipping graduates with not just design capabilities, but with the tools, technical knowledge, and ethical grounding to shape meaningful futures.”

  The two-year Master’s programme at Otago places strong emphasis on Mātauranga Māori, environmental responsibility, and industry-engaged learning.

  The Board wishes to congratulate the school on their achievement and looks forward to hearing more about the architecture programme’s strengths and future potential.

  A joint release between NZRAB and OP.

• New NZRAB Board Chair Appointed6 June 2025

  Craig O’Connell has been appointed by Minister Penk as the new Board Chair for the New Zealand Registered Architects Board. His appointment was effective from 29 May 2025. Craig has over 30 years’ experience working with Boards on strategy development. His governance experience began 25 years ago in the private sector, and extended into local government and crown entities 15 years ago. He spent 9 years on the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board ending there as Chair, and 9 years with the Master Electricians Board. More recently, he was appointed to the Skills Group Board — New Zealand’s largest private training enterprise.

  The Board wishes to acknowledge and thank Tony Orgias for his leadership and service while acting in the Board Chair role since November 2024.

• Annual Certificate of Registration27 May 2025

  From the Chief Executive

  Tēnā koutou katoa,

  This month you will have received an invoice for your Annual Certificate of Registration (ACR). As you may be aware, it has been five years since the last review of ACR fees. Over that time, the cost of delivering our regulatory services has increased significantly.

  The Registered Architects Act 2005 and Registered Architects Rules 2006 describe the purpose for establishing the New Zealand Registered Architects Board as well as formally prescribing the fees we can charge. Under legislation, our charges must be reasonable and for the purpose of cost recovery only. As we have no other income source, we must maintain fees, which ensure our organisation has ongoing financial sustainability.

  The current NZRAB practice is to set fees that:
  • subsidise initial registration to encourage graduates (and others) to become registered;
  • subsidise initial registration by using the ongoing revenue ACRs provide over the professional life of the architect;
  • include the costs of Continuing Registration Competency Reviews (CRCR) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the ACR fee.

  Following consultation with registered architects and other stakeholders last year, Hon Chris Penk, the Minister for Building and Construction, approved an increase to fees payable effective from 1 July 2025. We realise this coincides with many architects and New Zealanders experiencing considerable financial pressure, and we do not take this decision lightly.

  The New Zealand Registered Architects Board exists to protect the public by ensuring architects meet expected professional standards. Payment of your ACR fee allows you to legally use the titles, “architect” and “registered architect” and enables NZRAB to monitor professional competence, handle complaints and, where required, discipline those who are found to have acted against professional standards.

  Registration protects the professional credibility of all architects, and we appreciate your continued commitment to this valuable profession.

  Ngā mihi nui,

  Judith Taylor
  Chief Executive Officer