Bringing attention to the importance of the physical and spiritual needs of our environment, Watkins has been a prescient lobbyist for ecological protection and humane city planning.

His forward-thinking approach has included advocating for kaitiakitanga (guardianship) as a core principle of governance and management; participating in many United Nations environmental conferences and other global and local forums on sustainability; and decades-long policy work on sustainable development and architecture, both nationally and internationally.

In 2017, he proposed that Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects members “pledge to embrace the spirit of kaitiakitanga and commit themselves to act in a way that is tika and pono, respecting the mauri of the natural environment and the mana of other architects”.

Described by Radio New Zealand as a “colourful, idiosyncratic, revolutionary, maverick”, Watkins has never been afraid to challenge orthodox opinion or vested interests. He is a founder of the international Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, an initiator of Agenda 21, and a valued contributor to Aotearoa New Zealand Architects Declare.

“Every architect should be doing something which is immensely rewarding for them, for the community, for the globe and in the long run dealing with the very big issues and saving our planet,” Watkins says. “…the future of the world is totally dependent on architects.”

Watkins is an emeritus professor of architecture at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau and has written three books: Thinking it Through, The Human House and the irreverent story of Piglet the Great of Karaka Bay. He built his own house at Karaka Bay, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, by hand, as a living embodiment of his belief in architecture that values and respects planet Earth and its ecosystems.

A deserved recipient of the John Sutherland Practice Award, which honours members who exemplify excellence in their way of practising, Watkins also received the Institute’s President’s Award in 2019. “Tony has demonstrated a tireless commitment to engaging with the public about architecture and reminding the profession of its societal and ethical responsibilities,” the award citation reads. “He has been a well-informed, impassioned and, when necessary, provocative presence.”

tony-watkins.com

In 2023, ĀKAU Studio, a small practice in Te Tai Tokerau Northland, won the award.

The New Zealand Architecture Awards receive generous support from Resene, a steadfast sponsor of the program since 1991, and APL, which commenced its sponsorship of the awards in 2021.