Finalists are recognised for their careers and their contributions to the profession, rather than for single buildings or works on paper.

The Wirihana Leadership Award recognises those in their second decade beyond graduation — neither a graduate award nor a mid-career award but, rather, one aimed at the career stage between the two. It aims to “maintain the presence of emerging leaders in the profession’s eye”. Finalists were Charlotte Hoare, Haley Hooper, Sally Ogle, Kelly O’Sullivan and Raukura Turei. The winner, Raukura Turei, was described by the jury as an extraordinary practitioner, whose work is characterised by two distinct pursuits – architectural practice and fine art — both of which she excels in. “This in itself is a remarkable achievement, but Raukura is also an actor and performer, a parent and an enabler of others.”

Open to all genders, the Munro Diversity Award highlights important work carried out in the promotion of equity and diversity in architecture. Its aim is to celebrate “the often invisible work of those that strive for an equitable profession”. Finalists were Ākau, Tessa Forde with Groupwork and Pre:fab, Jessica Halliday, Dorita Hannah and Kathy Waghorn. The award-winner, Kathy Waghorn, is an academic whose decades-long work both in the schools of architecture and in her practice Hoopla (with Nina Patel) has constantly challenged ideas of practice and pedagogy. The jurors remarked that Waghorn’s work skilfully navigates the intersections of art, design, architecture and urbanism to expand the practice of architecture and make it more accessible.

The Chrystall Excellence Award gives visibility to those who may become role models to younger generations and students, and it takes mentorship and community contribution into account along with excellence in a body of work. It celebrates women who have led “expanded and full careers in architecture over several decades”. This year’s finalists were Anna-Marie Chin, Sue Evans, Julia Gatley, Sharon Jansen and Jane Rooney. Winner Sharon Jansen was recognised for her fully realised, carefully designed and technically assured architecture with the jury noting her “very impressive body of sensitive design work, her continuing dedication and contribution to the profession, and her mentorship and support of other women architects”.

The jury was made up of Justine Clark, Craig Moller, Sarah Treadwell and Carinnya Feaunati, and the kiln-cast lead crystal awards trophies were designed and made by Ainsley O’Connell.