New Zealand Institute of Architects enjoys the annual privilege of giving formal recognition to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to architecture in New Zealand. NZIA President’s Awards may be given to Institute members for their achievements in their practices or service to their profession, or, outside the Institute, to people who have supported the profession or the wider cause of architecture. These endeavours commonly have beneficial effects that extend beyond architectural projects and touch the lives of many people in our communities.  

This year, I am pleased to bestow NZIA President’s Awards on Fiona Christeller, Bruce Petry, Robin Skinner and Megan Wraight and her colleagues at Wraight + Associates. Bruce and Megan have both passed away, Megan very recently. I feel it is important to acknowledge each of them for the difference they made, and the wonderful professional example they set, over the course of their career. Fiona and Robin, too, have been exemplary and inspirational in the conduct of their professional lives. I am proud to have known the recipients of these President’s Awards and very pleased to recognise their qualities and their contributions.

– Judi Keith-Brown, President, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects

Wraight + Associates

Landscape Architects and Urban Designers

Megan Wraight and Nicole Thompson established Wraight + Associates in 2003 and, since then, their team has produced some of our finest pieces of landscape design: Jellicoe Street and Silo Park in Auckland; Waitangi Park and Pukeahu in Wellington; and Ngā Purapura in Otaki. These carefully crafted designs belong to Aotearoa and now feel as though they have always been here. Wraight + Associates has worked closely with many architects across the country, helping to tie our buildings into our landscapes and using cultural, historical and natural references to inform its designs. In 2017, the Wellington Branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects awarded the practice the Ath Cup for its significant contribution to the Wellington landscape. The awarding of the full team was deliberate – a recognition that good design comes from a good team, all working together, and not just one individual. This President’s Award, however, especially recognises the vibrant and remarkable person who put this team together: Megan Wraight, who died recently, after a long battle with illness. She worked to the last moment with Nicole and the rest of her admirable team.

^{Left – Wraight + Associates – Auckland office (L-R): Felix Smith, Hugh Smith, Nathan Young, Michael Cook, Michaella Franklin.}

^{Right – Wraight + Associates – Wellington office: (L-R front row, seated): Jessie Wrigglesworth (Tilly the dog), Anna Gilbert, Diccon Round, Nicole Thompson, Celia Hall, Tom Hampson. (Back row, standing): Nick Kempster, Michelle Richecoeur (holding Pippa the dachshund), Oliver Pool. Images: Adrian Malloch; Catherine Cattanach}

Bruce Petry

Heritage practitioner and advocate

Bruce Petry was a passionate, knowledgeable and outspoken advocate for the causes in which he believed. He made a huge contribution in the field of heritage architecture through his work with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, as a director of the leading conservation practice Salmond Reed Architects and, later, of his own firm. Bruce’s determination to develop his expertise led him to advanced study in Rome and practice in London, and he applied the benefits of his skill and experience to numerous significant heritage projects, especially in Auckland. He was unfailingly generous with his advice and assistance, and his gift for friendship was deeply appreciated throughout, and well beyond, the architectural community. In the wider civic realm, Bruce’s courage and commitment were evident in his prominent role in the struggle for gay rights and his advocacy on behalf of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Bruce is sorely missed and very fondly remembered.

Robin Skinner

Senior Lecturer, Wellington School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka

Robin Skinner has been a model of a committed academic and engaged public intellectual for more than 20 years. He has played a full part in the life of the Wellington School of Architecture, as teacher, researcher and School leader. Generations of students at the School have benefited from Robin’s teaching, and many have expressed gratitude for his guidance and encouragement as a research supervisor. In numerous academic papers and publications, Robin has made a significant contribution in the fields of architectural history and theory. Robin’s collegial values and generous disposition are also evident in his service to cultural institutions such as the Adam Art Gallery and Turnbull Library. Throughout his career, he has seen it as an integral part of his role to promote the civic discussion of architecture, and his many public presentations have been notable for the quality of their content and presentation. The profession owes Robin a debt of gratitude for advancing the cause of architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Fiona Christeller FNZIA

For more than 30 years, Fiona Christeller has forged her own way in New Zealand architecture. In that time, she has run her own practice, contributed significantly to the profession as an assessor of two decades’ standing for the Registered Architects Board, taught at Victoria University’s School of Architecture, and mentored generations of young architects. Fiona has consistently sought ways to engage in the civic realm as an architect, urban designer and citizen – her impressive participation in the Wellington Writers Walk exemplifies her belief that design talent should be used to enhance public space. Fiona’s holistic approach to her practice is also evident in her later-career achievements as a jewellery designer and maker. Fiona has always challenged herself as an architect and designer, and has demonstrated admirable fortitude in pursuing a career as a female practitioner in what, for much of her working life, has been an unsympathetic and often discriminatory professional environment. She is accomplished, determined and enterprising, and an inspiration to all young people setting out on a career in architecture.